Capture Awe. Spark Action | The Nature Conservancy Launches 2025 Oceania Photo Contest

The Nature Conservancy Aotearoa New Zealand (TNC NZ) is launching its 2025 Oceania Photo Contest, inviting photographers from across New Zealand, Australia, Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea to submit images that capture the wonder of our natural world.

Building on the success of last year's inaugural contest, which drew thousands of entries from both established and emerging photographers across the region, the 2025 contest continues to celebrate the power of photography to connect people with nature and inspire conservation action. In 2024, New Zealand photographers contributed 1 in 5 of all submissions, so this year the challenge is to increase representation from Aotearoa.

"Aotearoa New Zealand is home to some of the world's most unique and precious ecosystems, from our ancient forests and pristine coastlines to the incredible endemic species that call this place home," said Abbie Reynolds, Country Director, TNC NZ. "We're looking for photographs that tell the story of our natural world, capturing both its breathtaking beauty and the urgent need to protect it for future generations."

The contest also champions nature as part of wellbeing, recognising how time spent outdoors boosts mental health whilst fostering a deeper connection to the environment. "There's something magical about being in nature, and even more so with a camera. It slows you down, making you really observe and appreciate what you’re seeing, smelling, hearing," Reynolds added. "That mindful connection with nature is great for our wellbeing, and when we capture and share those moments, we connect others to the power of nature as well."

Launching during New Zealand's Conservation Week (1-7 September), the contest aligns perfectly with the Department of Conservation’s campaign theme of Take Action for Nature, encouraging all of us to help protect New Zealand's unique natural environment.

Amateur and professional photographers alike can enter photos across six categories: People & Nature, Climate, Water, Lands, Plants & Fungi, and Wildlife, with New Zealand's diverse landscapes and unique biodiversity offering endless opportunities for compelling entries.

A prize pool of $15,000 in gift cards awaits, including a $6,000 Grand Prize for the top photo across all categories. All categories have a prize specifically for New Zealand entries.

The contest is free to enter, with entries accepted via The Nature Conservancy website. Winning images will be featured in TNC's national campaigns, digital platforms and public exhibitions.

Key contest details

• Open for entries: 1 September – 24 October 2025
• Winner announcement: 19 November 2025
• Prizes: $15,000 in prizes including $6,000 for the Grand Prize
• Overall judges: Nature photographers Jarrod Boord, Ben Buckland, Annette Ruzicka
• Contest is open to residents of New Zealand, Australia, Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands aged 18 and above.
• For more information and to enter, visit: www.nature.org/oceaniaphotocontest

© Scoop Media