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1st Place: Evie Thomson "Park Flyers" (Windiest Day in Wellington)

Our judges commented "We are so happy to award this year’s first place prize to a distinctly beautiful photograph that hovered in our minds for days after we first saw it, like an image from a dream. To go out shooting in such challenging weather and come back with this delicate, poetic photo is a real testament to this photographer’s eye. Despite the tempest, there is a compelling stillness. The composition creates depth with the staggered subjects, who stumble and fly from the off-kilter horizon, while the pylon balances the triad. On top of these qualities, there is a real connection of artist to place. A beautifully executed, emotionally resonant work that was a clear winner for us both."

2nd Place: Mick Brady "Cindy on Wilson" (Newtown Festival 2026)

Our judges commented "The choice for second place was difficult, but we found ourselves returning to this dynamic shot over and over. The photographer has managed to distill the chaos of the moment into a very engaging image, one that makes the viewer feel as if they are standing right inside the scene. We were struck by the relative neutrality of the lens choice (not especially wide or long) and the angle (not especially low or high). This restraint allows the eye to travel through the depth of the image, picking out small details of the distant crowd and musician, while the energetic foreground rages on. With so much going on inside the frame, this photograph resists overwhelming us and gives us instead a balanced, visually coherent image that keeps the atmosphere of the moment alive."

Best Photo Essay: Sandy Hughes - Various Festivals, Gigs and Venues

Our judges commented "This is an exhilarating set of photographs, the kind that can only be captured by someone who is truly embedded in their scene. It takes real commitment to create work like this, and we commend the photographer on their dedication in showcasing the incredible energy of this musical community. Their passion for this scene is absolutely palpable and looking through the images was a total delight for us. It made us want to listen to these bands and engage more deeply with the scene itself, which speaks to the strength of the photographer’s perspective. The quality is consistent and there is a strong signature style. It’s the kind of work that makes a rich historical archive, but is also fizzing with vitality in the present day."

Instax Mini Evo Cinema, Back copy Newzician magazine, Published on our website, social media.

Sandy said: "It’s an honour to be able to document NZ’s small music scene, especially the hardcore scene, and to be part of such a welcoming community. I’m really excited to see the future of where this photography takes me and I appreciate everyone who supports my work!"

To date $11800 has been Awarded to support Music photography in NZ through this Award since 2021. Announced 27th May 2026

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Highly Commended (Single Image):

Thiago Alencar – Biffy Clyro at the Auckland Town Hall
Tom Grut – Geese
Mingxuan Lyu – The hand of legacy
Chontalle Musson – Laneway Festival Auckland, Chappell Roan crowd
Bevan Triebels – Possessed

Highly Commended (Essay):

JM Beltran – CubaDupa2026