Welcome to Festival Zone for July 2025
"New York, New York its a wonderful town"
The Festival Trust and Te Kunenga Ki Pūrehuroa | Massey University are excited to invite students, educators, and the wider community to a very special event with internationally renowned guest Sam Barzilay, Creative Director and Co-Founder of Photoville, New York’s premier non-profit organization dedicated to celebrating visual storytelling.
Join us on Thursday, 24 July, at the Library Building, Te Kunenga Ki Pūrehuroa | Massey University Albany Campus, for an inspiring talk and presentation where Sam will share insights into the ground-breaking Photoville Festival, one of the largest photographic events in the world. Known for transforming public spaces into vibrant photography exhibitions, Photoville has become a global model for accessible, community-driven storytelling through the power of images.
This is a unique opportunity to hear firsthand from the creative force behind Photoville, which has showcased thousands of photographers and connected millions of people through compelling visual narratives. Sam will share stories, lessons, and experiences from building a world-class festival that champions inclusivity, focussing on educational resources, and the power of photography to inspire change.
Event Details:
🗓 Date: Thursday, 24 July
🕒 Time: 12pm – 1pm
📍 Venue: Library Building, Ground Floor access, Te Kunenga Ki Pūrehuroa | Massey University, Albany Campus
🚗 Parking: Free at the Student Carpark in East Precinct. Buses: To Campus are 83, 861, 917, 986, and 126 via Albany station. The NX1 Northern Busway also stops at Albany Station, which is nearby.
💥 Admission: Free — All Welcome!
Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to learn from an industry leader and connect with fellow photography enthusiasts, educators, and students. Whether you're passionate about visual arts, community engagement, or global festivals — this event is not to be missed!
Come along, be inspired, and hear how photography can change the way we see the world. Thanks to venue support by Te Kunenga Ki Pūrehuroa | Massey University, Albany Campus.
World Press Photo, Auckland
Auckland Festival of Photography [whakaahua hākari] is giving away 3 x Double Pass to the World Press Photo exhibition in Auckland.
Opens 26th July, 131 Queen Street, Auckland.
The annual World Press Photo Contest recognises the best photojournalism and documentary photography produced over the last year.
Award winner, Noel Celis, Associated Press - Four Storms, 12 days, Philippines. Winner Asia Pacific Oceania region, Stories 2025.
Choose from two ways to visit World Press Photo in Auckland:-
Visit the exhibition between 26 July and 24 August. You’ll see the 139 winning images in the 68th annual World Press Photo contest, plus a selection from the archives to mark the 70 Year Anniversary of World Press Photo.
For your chance to win tickets, please email your name and who was the photographer that won World Press Photo, Photo of the Year in 2025 to info.photo.festival@xtra.co.nz with the email subject line “World Press Photo Giveaway” before 5pm on Monday, 7th July. Good luck!
- Join World Press Photo for an exclusive Panel Discussion and Preview evening on 24 July. You’ll hear from a World Press Photo curator, Martha Echevarria, Asia Pacific Oceania regional judge, Julia Durkin, MNZM and winning photographer, Tatsiana Chypsanava discussing the importance of press freedom and how photography helps tell the stories the world needs to hear. You can preview the full exhibition, and get an exclusive look at additional images from photographer Tatsiana Chypsanava’s long term project Te Uruwera – The Living Ancestor of Tūhoe People, which profiles 10 years with the Ngāi Tūhoe of Aotearoa New Zealand’s Te Urewera region.
In selecting the winners for Asia Pacific Oceania, Candida Ng, Asia-Pacific and Oceania jury chair said “As a jury, we wanted to ensure that there was accurate and enough representation of the various countries in the region. I hope this selection will make people want to find out more about Asia.”
Portfolio Reviews - Studio One Toi Tu
The Festival Trust are thrilled to offer a rare opportunity for photographers and visual artists to receive free, one-on-one portfolio reviews with Sam Barzilay, Creative Director and Co-Founder of Photoville, New York’s leading non-profit photography organization.
As the visionary behind one of the world’s largest photography festivals, Sam brings a wealth of international experience in curating, developing, and elevating photographic work. This is your chance to get expert feedback, career advice, and invaluable insights on your portfolio from a global industry leader.
Portfolio Review Details:
🗓 Date: Saturday, 26 July
🕑 Time: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM (20-minute sessions per artist)
📍 Venue: Room 5, Studio One Toi Tū, 1 Ponsonby Road, Auckland
💥 Cost: FREE — Limited to 6 slots only
These reviews are ideal for photographers and artists with an existing body of work who are looking for professional guidance on presentation, development, and opportunities within the international photography landscape.
Bookings are essential, and spaces will fill quickly. To secure your spot, email info.photo.festival@xtra.co.nz with the subject line Photo Reviews 26 July.
Don’t miss this chance to engage directly with an industry expert, refine your portfolio, and gain fresh perspectives to advance your creative practice.