NZIPP DISTINCTIONS
Merit points earned from entry into the Iris Awards count towards NZIPP Distinctions. See the below chart to find out the requirements for each Distinction level.
Only NZIPP Accredited Professional Photographers can earn NZIPP Distinctions. If you’d like to find out more about NZIPP Membership, visit www.nzipp.org.nz/join
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 to celebrate the success from the Iris Awards and the New Zealand Amateur Awards sponsored by CRK and Ilford. 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 EVENING – WINNERS ANNOUNCEMENT: from 5:15pm Sunday 9th August 2026. VENUE: Majestic on Durham – 189 Durham Street 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 2026 or have it couriered to your address. **PLEASE CHECK YOUR ADDRESS ON AWARD FORCE AT THE TIME OF ENTRY FOR PRINT CASE RETURNS**