Kaipara Art Awards

The winners of the Kaipara Art Awards 2026, the premiere event on the Kaipara art calendar, will be announced at an Awards ceremony on the evening of Friday 9 October.

52 artists are vying to be placed across 3 separate categories: 2D Painting, 2D Other (Print/Photography/Mixed Media) and 3D Sculpture. In addition, there is an Emerging Artist category. The winners will be selected by three judges - Stephen Davies, Miriam van Wezel and Peter Panyoczki.

The judging will be ‘blind’ as the names of the artists are not disclosed to the judges.

An exhibition of the artworks will be on display at the Mangawhai Artists Gallery in Moir St from Saturday 10th October through to Thursday 22 October.

During the exhibition the public will have their chance to vote for the People’s Choice Award, with the winner being announced at the conclusion of the exhibition.

The Kaipara Art Awards are jointly organised by Mangawhai Artists Inc and Dargaville Arts Association.

“We are thrilled with the quality and range of works entered into this year’s awards, says Belinda Vernon, coordinator of the 2026 Awards.

“There is a great spread across each of the categories and also geographically. Participants don’t need to live in Kaipara but do need to be a member of one of the many recognised art groups in the Kaipara.

“The Kaipara Art Awards celebrate the creativity, talent and artistic spirit that thrives throughout our district.

“The event couldn’t happen with the support of sponsors, volunteers and of course, the artists. The main awards are sponsored by The French Art Shop, Gordon Harris – The Art and Graphics Store, Creative Northland. We are hugely grateful to them.”

The Kaipara Art Awards 2026 exhibition opens at the Mangawhai Artists Gallery, Moir Street, Mangawhai on Saturday 10 October. The exhibition is open daily from 10am to 3pm (and from 9am on Saturdays) to Thursday 22 October. The Gallery is closed for exhibition changeover during the day on Thursday and Friday 8 and 9 October.