From Otago To The Rest Of Aotearoa: Tūhura Otago Museum Opens Iconic Photography Competition Nationwide

Tūhura Otago Museum’s Photography Competition has been celebrating nature and wildlife for 26 years, inspiring generations of amateur photographers to capture the beauty of the natural world. Over that time, the competition has received hundreds of thousands of entries and encouraged countless Otago photographers to connect with, observe and celebrate wildlife, landscapes and botanical subjects.

Traditionally open only to Otago residents, the competition has built a strong reputation as one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s leading amateur photography awards. Core categories have long included Wildlife, Botanical and Landscape, alongside popular pop-up themes over the years such as Night Sky, Climate Impacts, Natural Abstract and Macro.

In 2026, the competition takes a major step forward. For the first time, a pop-up category, Wild Aotearoa, is open to amateur photographers from across New Zealand.

Marketing Manager at Tūhura Otago Museum, Charlie Buchan, says the move responds to years of public interest from outside the region.

“For a long time we’ve had hundreds of emails, messages and calls from people around the country asking how they can enter,” says Buchan. “The competition has grown its own brand and reputation, and it’s fantastic to see that level of national engagement.”

Buchan says the decision also aligns naturally with Dunedin’s identity as the Wildlife Capital of New Zealand.

“Dunedin hosts New Zealand’s Festival of Nature Wildlife Festival, Wild Dunedin, so hosting a national wildlife photography category just makes sense. We wanted to grow the exhibition year on year, and bringing in a nationwide category felt like the right next step.”

To support the new category, Tūhura Otago Museum is collaborating with the Department of Conservation (Te Papa Atawhai).

“DOC is the government agency responsible for protecting our natural and historic heritage, so it was important to have them around the table as we developed this category,” Buchan says.

Gabe Davies, Operations Manager for Coastal Otago at DOC, says DOC is excited to be working with Tūhura Otago Museum to showcase the competition.

“This competition is a great way to encourage young people to get outdoors, explore, and experience Aotearoa’s wildlife firsthand,” says Davies. “It aligns strongly with DOC’s Always Be Naturing campaign, which encourages tamariki and communities to connect with nature through talking, walking, playing, and learning.”

Davies says photography is a powerful tool for helping people appreciate and protect the natural environment.

“By engaging with nature creatively, people build a stronger connection to it, and that’s essential if we want to protect our biodiversity for future generations.”

Buchan emphasises that the new national category does not disadvantage Otago residents.

“We’re still proudly celebrating Otago photographers, while also opening up one category to recognise wildlife from across the rest of the country. Otago residents are welcome to enter the Wild Aotearoa category as well; it’s about inclusivity and celebration.”

Last year’s competition was the largest yet, and the museum team expects even greater participation in the years ahead. The finalists’ work will once again be showcased in a major three-month exhibition at Tūhura Otago Museum, which typically attracts more than 30,000 visitors.

“One of the most rewarding things is seeing kids inspired by this competition go on to become professional photographers,” says Buchan. “The exhibition is a huge celebration of nature, creativity and conservation. Opening it nationally will hopefully bring more finalists, entrants and visitors down south to experience the incredible wildlife we have here.”

“Submissions are now open across all categories and entries close on 1 February. It’s the perfect excuse to get outdoors over summer” says Buchan.

The Wild Aotearoa category is supported with the help of Dunedin’s Royal Albatross Colony and OPERA, both long-standing advocates for wildlife conservation.

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