You may have seen the opening of the exhibition at Te Kahu o Waipuna recently - but did you know the award is open to all Māori artists under 35?
On this post you will find details of how to enter and some FAQs about the award.
We encourage everyone to see the exhibition while it is here, and all artists to consider sending an entry for 2025.
What is the Kiingi Tuheitia Portraiture Award?
The Kiingi Tuheitia Portraiture Award is a competition that encourages young Maaori artists to create portraits of their tupuna (ancestors) in any medium. The Award is hosted and administered by Te Pūkenga Whakaata the New Zealand Portrait Gallery in honour of the late Maaori King, Kiingi Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII.
Learn more about the Kiingitanga →
Who are the Judges?
The Gallery invites a panel of three judges to choose both the finalists and the winners of the Kiingi Tuhetia Portraiture Award. For 2025 we are once again fortunate to have an outstanding Judges Panel, comprising Renata Te Wiata, Areta Wilkinson, and John Walsh.
What are the prizes?
First prize - $20,000
Runner up - $2,500
People’s Choice - $2,500 (awarded at the end of the exhibition)
What are the main conditions of the Award?
- Entrants must be young Maaori artists, aged 35 or under.
- Portraits must depict a tupuna of the artist.
- Portraits can be in any medium.
- Portraits must have been completed in the last 2 years.
How do I enter?
Enter online at: nzportraitgallery.org.nz
You must include:
- A high-quality image, audio file or video link of your work. Please note that you will be judged for selection phase solely on the digital upload submitted with your entry form.
File Submission instructions - An artist biography of no more than 80 words, confirming you are of Maaori decent and your iwi affiliations if known and outlining your career and experience as an artist.
- A statement of no more than 80 words, about your chosen tupuna and your relationship to them.
Only electronic entries are accepted.