2025 : 06 Alex Mao Youth Photo Award

Nina Dorday;Unbound;This photo explores the idea of control — how people are boxed in, watched, or held back. Standing just outside the fence, the figure blurs with motion, caught between resistance and freedom. It captures the moment of stepping beyond what’s meant to contain you, even if the boundaries still feel close.
Nina Dorday;Passing Through;This photo captures a fleeting moment — like a ghost passing through a familiar space. The blur suggests memory, motion, or even something unresolved. It’s about how places hold traces of us long after we’ve left, and how time never really stands still.
Nina Dorday;Trapped;This photograph captures the moment just before the scream — that silent, invisible panic that lives beneath the surface. I created this piece to explore the often hidden reality of mental health struggles, particularly fear, anxiety, and feeling trapped in your own mind.
Connie Li;Moon & Plane;I captured this photo to represent the feeling of dreaming big. The moon and the plane in the night sky show the start of a journey—chasing goals that seem far away but possible. It’s about believing in yourself, imagining the future, and aiming high.
Connie Li;Night & Stairs;I took this photo during a quiet night walk. The staircase lit by moonlight reminded me of how moving forward in life can feel uncertain, but even in the dark, there’s always a path to follow.
Connie Li;Yellow & Purple;I was drawn to the contrast between the yellow and purple flowers in the dark. The purple flower stands alone, surrounded by yellow ones, which made me think about individuality, difference, and standing out in a crowd. This photo is about seeing beauty in what makes us unique.
Kate McKeen;glimpse of today
Kate McKeen;of a feather
Daniel Clay;Never Too Young ;With this photo, I got down low in order to depict the child protester in a vasty powerful manner. This photo demonstrates the extent the world's issues affect society. Even the very young are affected. I like the way a young child is protesting as pose to an older being which is usually depicted as more normal. The child is depicted is a leader, leading the other protesters which again isn't something you would expect.
shafeek allie;new zealand scaup
Daniel Clay;A Reflection of The Past;This photo was taken onboard the 75 bus from Glen Innes to Wynyard Quarter. I personally loved the contrast between the array of natural features and Rangitoto in looming in the background and the way humans have built upon this land which was once solely occupied by nature. It reflects issues which humans have created with urbanization and how as populations increase more and more natural land will be built upon and lose its natural values. It makes me reflect on what this land looked like before us humans occupied it.
Daniel Clay;Quiet Action;With this photo I liked the way the term

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