A potential Lego master builder may soon be revealed in the Waitaki.

Waitaki District Libraries is holding The Great Waitaki Brick Build-Off next month for the first time, and is looking for 10 teams, made up of one adult and one or two children, to showcase their brick building brilliance.

“We’re holding a competition using bricks in a town built of blocks, what could be more appropriate?” says Waitaki District Libraries event coordinator Debbie Jarvis, who is organising the event.

The competition will be held in Ōamaru, with the official venue yet to be confirmed, on Saturday 23 September 2022, starting at 10am.

Inspired by the popular Lego Masters television shows, the teams will carry out a series of brick-building challenges over six hours. 

Points will be allocated from each challenge to crown an overall winner at the end of the day, with prizes yet to be decided.

Challenges will be graded and points allocated on all or some of the following: speed, technique, creativity, story, and aesthetics, and bonus points may be allocated at the judge's discretion.

The competition challenges will be a speed build, limited piece build, creature feature, the big race-off, sculpting NZ and street front.

“We are delighted to be working with House of Bricks, which will be bringing an extensive supply of Lego bricks and elements to facilitate the various challenges,” Debbie said.

House of Bricks is a Rolleston business, run by Lego Masters NZ series two semi-finalist Rachel de Vries, who will also be one of the judges.

“We are thrilled to have two former Lego Masters NZ contestants as guest judges. Rachel and Amy’s (season 1 quarter-finalist) experience and expertise are sure to be a great inspiration for our contestants.”

On the day of the competition, the public are invited to come and watch for a gold coin donation, which will be passed on to the Prostate Cancer Foundation of New Zealand as part of the Blue September fundraising campaign.

Anyone in a position to support or sponsor the competition is encouraged to get in touch with Debbie at the Ōamaru Library to discuss options.

Applications are open now, with forms available from any Waitaki District Library, or online at the Waitaki District Libraries website. Entries close at 5pm Friday, September 8, and successful teams will be notified the following Monday.

Due to the time commitment required for this competition, it may not be suitable for younger children - adults are asked to please consider the “staying power” of their child/children before submitting an application form. 

If any Waitaki businesses are wanting to be involved with sponsorship or providing prizes, they are asked to contact Debbie at the library.