IRIS AWARDS SCORING TABLE
The Judges of the NZIPP Iris Awards have a set of criteria that is used to decide which score to give an award. Read the scoring table below to see what it takes to reach each award level.
| SCORE | AWARD | DESCRIPTION |
| 95 – 100 | Gold with Distinction |
» Exceptional vision, creativity & innovation
» Exceptional visual communication & interpretation of subject
» Exceptional level of originality of thought/concept
» Invokes a superior emotional response
» Has an enduring quality
» Exceptional mastery in all areas of creative & technical execution
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| 90 – 94 | Gold |
» Outstanding level of imagination & creativity
» Outstanding visual communication, interpretation of subject &/ or emotion
» Outstanding level of originality of thought/concept
» Outstanding mastery across all areas of technique, craft, and production/creation
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| 85 – 89 | Silver with Distinction |
» Excellent level of imagination & creativity
» Excellent visual communication, interpretation of subject &/or emotion
» Excellent level of technique, craft, craft, and production
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| 80 – 84 | Silver |
» Very high level of imagination &/or creativity
» Very high level of visual communication, interpretation of subject &/or emotion
» Very high level of craft, skill and production
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| 75 – 79 | Bronze |
» Shows a high level of craft, skill & technique
» Exceeds the expected standard of professional practice
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JOIN US IN CHRISTCHURCH THIS AUGUST!
Come and watch the live judging of the 2026 Iris Awards in-person or the live feedback round of the New Zealand Amateur Photography Awards, and stick around for the New Zealand Photography Show - Work/Shop 2026 - a two-day event offering inspiration, education, networking, and so much more! Purchasing a ticket will also get you in the draw to win an EPIC prize! Check out all the details here: https://nzphotoshow.co.nz/
Get yourself onto a masterclass on Sunday to fully immerse yourself in a specialised area of interest, and finish off the week at the 2026 NZIPP Gala Awards Evening sponsored by CRK and Ilford, to celebrate the success from the Iris Awards and the New Zealand Amateur Awards. https://nzphotoshow.co.nz/product/gala-awards-evening/
IRIS AWARDS 2026 KEY DATES
ONLINE ENTRIES OPEN: 9am Monday 25th May 2026 (NZST)
ONLINE ENTRIES CLOSE: 11.59pm Sunday 21st June 2026 (NZST)
PHYSICAL PRINT DELIVERY: From 9am Monday 13th July 2026
to 5pm Friday 31st July 2026. We cannot accept print boxes before 13 July.
LIVE JUDGING: From approx. 8am daily: Tuesday 4th August, Wednesday 5th August, Thursday 6th August 2026.
Venue: Majestic on Durham, 189 Durham St South, Christchurch.
CATEGORY FINALISTS ANNOUNCED: Approx. 8pm Thursday 6th August Live at the Iris Awards Wrap Party. Venue: TBC
GALA AWARDS EVINING – WINNERS ANNOUNCEMENT: FROM 5:15pm Sunday 9th August 2026.
Venue: Majestic on Durham
189 Durham St South, Christchurch
Theme: Golden Hour
You can purchase tickets here NOW!
PRINT CASE COLLECTION AND POSTAGE: When you enter the Iris Awards, you will need to indicate your preference to collect your print case from the venue on Saturday 8th August or have it couriered to your address. **PLEASE CHECK YOUR ADDRESS ON AWARD FORCE AT THE TIME OF ENTRY FOR PRINT CASE RETURNS** Courier pickup from venue on Monday 11th August 2025.