Welcome to Festival Zone for Festival 2026 in June
Celebrating NZ artists
The Festival celebrates artistic excellence in photography by joint programming exhibitions and events featuring many of New Zealand's most revered photographers. These exhibitions provide diverse audiences access to the very finest of photographic art.
Head along to Two Rooms today for the opening of two artist's shows Conor Clarke, Rongo and Ann Shelton, I am an old Phenomenon - 5:30pm Thurs 4 June Two Rooms, Grey Lynn
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Ann Shelton, has exhibited with Two Rooms gallery for over a decade and is one of New Zealand's most distinguished visual artists, with a stellar career, across all aspects of the photographic arts. Her bio is here. More leading exhibition artists and full details on our new Calendar this year
Brand Ambassador Day
A special event supported by Harvey Norman: Two afternoons of talks, discussions and interactions with some leading professional photographers, who will share stories about their photographic journey and how and why they shoot how they do.
It's educational and free, so do come along!
Correction to time, this session with Kirsten is at 12.15pm, 6th June, this Saturday - If you love your pet, hear Kirsten Hough, who is a full-time, award-winning, Sony Ambaassador, NZIPP accredited professional pet photographer.
Based in rural Waikato, she shoots pet photography sessions at home on her farm. With access to acres of farmland and a river there is no shortage of opportunities for Kirsten to capture stunning environmental portraits of pets.
Don’t miss this session, plus enjoy complimentary drinks and nibbles including coffee, juice and snacks available. (unless already eaten!).
2 days only. Midday start, on 5th and 6th June 2026.
Auckland Photo Day 2026
Get ready! It's the annual day in the life of Auckland on Saturday 6th June.
If you’re planning a group outing, maybe meet at any gallery that is open on 6th June, take in a show or see an outdoor exhibition around the Festival, or join in at The Annex, Brand Ambassador talks and then get started?
Photos above, top left by Stephen Phillips, top right, Harry Hochman, bottom right Leo Guan, middle Bill Wang Xiao and bottom left Paoula Raboya from earlier Auckland Photo Days.
Plan your day, your night shoot or just capture the moments that present themselves. Your photo, your day, one city -24 hours - Auckland Photo Day 2026
Save the date 6th June 2026.
Our 2026 Auckland Photo Day judges are Cathy Carter, Auckland based fine artist, Dean Purcell, Chief Visual Journalist at NZ Herald and Janette Dalley, Freelance (Photography Director for NZME (NZ Herald), BBC and BAFTA.)
See Cathy's work on the waterfront at Karanga Plaza, Wynyard Quarter. Until 18 June. Thanks to Auckland Live & Auckland Council events. Image below by Chris Traill, for AFP.
See Dean Purcell, Chief Visual Journalist at NZ Herald images at Queens Wharf Fence, Quay St as part of the Movement theme of the annual Festival.
Prizes supported by Fujifilm NZ.
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Regional reach
Out and about across the region, the Festival’s joint programming is everywhere, there many exhibitions and activities at opening this weekend.
If out west, central or north shore, there's something for you -2pm Sat 6 June - Mt Eden Village Centre, Mount Eden
We often view nature as a static backdrop, but through the lenses of these young artists, we see a world that is vividly alive. THE BREATHING EARTH explores the movements that define our environment - a bird in flight, the setting sun, the sway of autumn leaves, the flow in a river, waves crashing over rocks, trees bending in a strong wind, and more. These IMageN8 young photographers (ages 8–18) invite you to slow down and witness the beauty of a planet that is always on the move.
3pm Sun 7 June - Lamplight Books, Parnell
With her latest project, On Being, Elizabeth Corin invites us to step into a world that encourages us to linger in stillness, to dwell in the quiet moments between.
6-8pm Sun 7 June, Devonport Library
A social documentary series following the work of the Painga Project at Onepoto Primary School by Francesca Brugnoli.
Full details on our new redeveloped the Calendar this year. Adding a * Add Favourite so you can save, and email locations / exhibitions you would like to visit.
Asia Pacific Photoforum
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