WELCOME TO THE NEW ZEALAND AMATEUR PHOTOGRAPHY AWARDS 2026!

ENTRIES OPEN 25th MAY – 21st JUNE 2026

 

The NZIPP Honours Council are proud to bring back the New Zealand Amateur Photography Awards for 2026.

The New Zealand Amateur Photography Awards is a digital entry only competition which can introduce amateur photographers to the world of photographic competitions.  The aim is to encourage pushing creative boundaries, provide critique for growth and development, and opportunities for recognition of the strength of a photographer’s work.

 

READ THROUGH BOTH THE CATEGORY RULES AND THE GLOBAL RULES ALONG WITH THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS BEFORE ENTERING

 

Entry into the New Zealand Amateur Awards is open to:

New Zealand Amateur Photographers

 

Entry into the New Zealand Amateur Awards is not for:

  • NZIPP Accredited Professional Photographers
  • Photographers who have previously entered into the Iris Awards (however this does not apply to people who have only ever entered the Iris Awards in the Student category)
  • Photographers who are entering any category of the 2026 Iris Awards
  • International photographers

 

WHAT COULD YOU WIN:

New Zealand Amateur Photographer of the Year will win:

 

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/

IMPORTANT DATES FOR NEW ZEALAND AMATEUR AWARDS

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

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