Cutting-Edge Art From Kaitaia To Invercargill: Finalists Revealed For National Contemporary Art Award
A record-breaking number of entries has resulted in 53 artworks being selected for the 2025 National Contemporary Art Award (NCAA), with finalists from Kaitaia to Invercargill.
With a prize pool of more than $30,000, this prestigious competition is organised and hosted by Te Whare Taonga o Waikato Museum and Gallery and reveals the cutting edge of Aotearoa New Zealand art through its fair, blind-judging process.
Liz Cotton, Director Museum and Arts, said the ever-increasing number of entries reflects the level of interest. NCAA entries reached record-breaking levels in 2022 with more than 300 entries, then topped in 2023 with 420, and now more than 480 in 2025. (The previously annual competition was moved to a biennial cycle in 2023).
'It's astounding this has happened for a third time in a row. Hundreds of entries have poured in from Aotearoa New Zealand artists at all stages of their careers, exceeding all our expectations. This reflects the vibrancy of the nation's art scene and the essential role art plays in our society, as well as the importance of our philanthropic partners who enable us to offer such generous prizes.'
Leading New Zealand law firm Tompkins Wake is the principal sponsor, having supported the awards since 2014, providing the life-changing prize of $20,000 for the winner of the National Contemporary Art Award. The Runner-Up Award of $7500 is provided by the Hugo Charitable Trust Award. The Friends of the Museum and Gallery and the Random Art Group provide Merit Awards of $1000 each.
Judge for the 2025 NCAA competition, Nigel Borell MNZM, assessed the submissions through an anonymised online portal. The selection of award winners, will be done in-situ before the gallery is opened to the public.
Borell is currently Curator Taonga Māori at Auckland War Memorial Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira, and is of Pirirakau, Ngaati Ranginui, Ngaai Te Rangi, Te Whakatoohea tribal descent. He has had an active role in the arts and culture sector spanning the past 25 years and was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2022.
This year's exhibition of finalists will be held at Te Whare Taonga o Waikato Museum and Gallery from Friday 1 August — Sunday 16 November 2025 and entry is free.
For more information visit www.tewharetaonga.nz/NCAA
National Contemporary Art Award finalists for 2025
Lizzi Yates, Waikanae
Lyndy Wilson, Ngaaruawaahia
Tim Wigmore and Reeve Hokopaura, Ngaamotu New Plymouth
Cora-Allan Twiss, Taamaki Makaurau Auckland
Jon Tootill, Papakura
Debbie Tipuna, Tauranga
Jodie Tipa, Ngaamotu New Plymouth
Amber Timpany, Waihopai Invercargill
Katherine Throne, Waanaka
Dean Strickland, Waihii Beach
Andy Spain, Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington
Aida Smith, Upper Hutt
Merthyr Ruxton, Warkworth
Kelly Rowe, Taamaki Makaurau Auckland
Jessie Randles, Taamaki Makaurau Auckland
Stephen Penny, Taamaki Makaurau Auckland
Rowan Panther, Kaitaia
Shelley Norton, Gore
Ella Grace Nicol, Kirikiriroa Hamilton
Francisco Naude, Kirikiriroa Hamilton
Leanne Mulder, Taamaki Makaurau Auckland
Brian Morris, Dunedin Ootepoti
Logan Moffat, Taamaki Makaurau Auckland
Jess Metuariki, Porirua
Mark Meecham, Ootepoti Dunedin
Alice Jeesu McDonald, Whanganui
Hannah Maurice, Waiheke
Jimmy James Kouratoras, Port Waikato
Tae Jun Kim, Drury
Helen Kerridge, Ahuriri Napier
Kim Ireland, Whakatuu Nelson
Dylan Huata-Lucas, Taamaki Makaurau Auckland
Natalie Holland, Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington
Tui Hobson, Taamaki Makaurau Auckland
Robyn Gibson, Taamaki Makaurau Auckland
James Ford, Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington
Zena Elliott, Kirikiriroa Hamilton
Lang Ea, Taamaki Makaurau Auckland
Sudhir Duppati, Kirikiriroa Hamilton
Donna Dinsdale, Te Puke
Antony Densham, Taamaki Makaurau Auckland
Garry Currin, Warkworth
Deborah Crowe, Taamaki Makaurau Auckland
Pio Coombes, Waihii Beach
Hana Carpenter, Taamaki Makaurau Auckland
Israel Birch, Ashhurst
Sean Beldon, Taamaki Makaurau Auckland
Helen Beech, Kawakawa
David Austin, Kirikiriroa Hamilton
Dita Angeles, Taamaki Makaurau Auckland
Amy Al Chakif, Rotorua
George Agius, Feilding
Brett a'Court, Te Tai Tokerau Northland
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