The following rules apply to all entries.

1. All elements and content must be 100% photographic and be the work of the entrant including textures, brushes, borders, overlays or lines. For the avoidance of doubt, no element in the entry can be computer-generated including any element created by Artificial Intelligence (AI). 100% of the post-production work must be the work of the entrant.

2. Your entry may be a series such as a diptych or triptych. Please keep in mind that magnification options are limited in the judging software, so if you include a lot of images in your series, judges may not be able to appreciate all the detail. Please remember that if using a border to frame your series this must be photographic and not computer generated.

3. The use of purchased textures, stock images or digital backdrops is not allowed. Physical backdrops purchased for the purpose of photography are acceptable.

4. One entry cannot be entered into multiple categories. There is no limit to how many overall entries you can submit. 

5. You cannot enter an image that has been previously entered into the NZAPA

6. If your image was created while working as a second shooter at an event, you must have the permission of the main photographer to enter the image.

7. By entering these awards you agree that you own the copyright to the image or have consent of the copyright holders (if you don’t own it) and have consent for the image to be used and published as described in the Terms and Conditions.

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/

ONLINE ENTRIES OPEN: 9am Monday 25th May 2026 (NZST)

ONLINE ENTRIES CLOSE: 11.59pm Sunday 21st June 2026 (NZST)

LIVE FEEDBACK ROUND: From 8am Wednesday 5th August 2026 (NZST)

LIVE FEEDBACK VENUE: Majestic on Durham, 189 Durham St South, Christchurch. 

CATEGORY FINALISTS ANNOUNCED: Approx. 5pm Wednesday 5th August 2026, VENUE: TBC

NEW ZEALAND AMATEUR PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR ANNOUNCEMENT: At the Gala Awards Evening, 5:15pm Sunday 9th August 2026. Venue: Majestic on Durham, 189 Durham St South, Christchurch; Theme: Golden Hour. A ticket only event. Click here to purchase tickets NOW

ENTRANTS SCORES RELEASED:  Thursday 6th August 2026 from 9am