The NZPPA has been running since 2000 and is a prestigious event on the NZ arts calendar.

The New Zealand Painting and Printmaking Awards 2025 bring together an exceptional array of artistic vision, creativity, and mastery. This year’s exhibition continues to celebrate the ever-evolving landscape of contemporary art in Aotearoa, offering a glimpse into the diverse practices that define the spirit of our time.

This year’s awards underscore the importance of experimentation, exploration, and the vital role of visual art in fostering connection and understanding. The works selected for this exhibition demonstrate a shared commitment to pushing the boundaries of form, while celebrating the rich tradition of painting and printmaking that has long been integral to New Zealand’s artistic identity. We invite you to engage with each piece, to reflect on the ways in which these artworks resonate with your own experiences, and to immerse yourself in the unique world created by these artists. This is more than just an exhibition—it is a conversation, an invitation to witness the power of art to shape, challenge, and transform the world around us

The Waikato Society of Arts is proud to present the New Zealand Painting and Printmaking Awards 2025 and to honour the artists whose works embody the boundless potential of creativity. We hope this year’s exhibition of 65 works will inspire continued dialogue, reflection, and a deeper appreciation for the diverse artistic voices that enrich our cultural landscape.