Known for its turquoise lakes, snow-capped mountains and pure night skies, the Mackenzie Region is a photographer’s paradise.
Congratulations to the winners and finalists, whose incredible photographs capture the breathtaking beauty of this unique region.
About
We believe the Mackenzie Region is one of the best locations in the world, and for good reason! Whether it’s our turquoise lakes, rugged alpine mountains, pure night skies, or the characters that make us unique, we’d love to see what you think is the best of the Mackenzie Region.
Twelve finalists will be selected, and their images will be displayed on A0 ACM photo boards in the Lake Tekapo Town Centre and included in the 2025 Mackenzie Region Calendar.
There are amazing prizes to be won, including awards for the Overall Winner, the Tekapo Four Square Local Award, and the People's Choice Award.
Photos must be taken within the Mackenzie Region Boundary, New Zealand from June 1, 2023 onwards.
Key Dates
Competition Opens: June 27, 2024
Competition Closes: August 23, 2024
Finalists and Winner announced: September 16, 2024
2025 Mackenzie Region Calendar on sale: Mid-Oct 2024
Freestanding frames taken down: February 28, 2025
Read the full Terms and Conditions.
Tekapo Saddle in Moonlight / Image by Igor Hoogerwerf
Images by Shellie Evans Photography
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When does the competition open and close?The competition opens on Thursday, 27th June 2024, and closes on Friday, 23rd August 2024.
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Who can enter?The competition is open to everyone. However, you must be the original author of the work entered, as described in the Copyright Act 1994. Photographs that have previously won an award (i.e. winner or runner-up) in any other photographic competition at the time of entry may not be entered.
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How do I submit my entry?Fill in our online entry form and email your image(s) to mtnhousecreative@gmail.com. Each image needs an individual entry.
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How will my image be used?By entering, you grant permission for us to use your photo in any marketing and media directly related to the Mackenzie Region Photography Competition. If selected as one of the 12 Finalists, your image will be displayed on the A0 ACM Boards in the Tekapo Domain, and in the 2025 Mackenzie Region Calendar. The finalist image will be used in marketing materials in conjunction with Mackenzie Tourism to promote the region.
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What format and size do the photos need to be?Entries must be JPEG Landscape format—minimum file size 1MB; maximum file size 10MB. Images that are heavily digitally altered will not be accepted as entries to the competition. AI-generated images are not allowed.
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What information do I include?Each entry must include your name and email address, social media handles (if applicable), and a description of the photograph's subject matter, including where and when the photograph was taken (max 150 words).
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How many photos can I submit?Each person can submit a maximum of three photos. Each photo must be accompanied by its own entry details.
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Does it matter how long ago the photo was taken?Yes – all images entered need to be taken after June 1st 2023.
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Does it matter where the photo was taken?Yes – all images entered must be taken within the Mackenzie District Boundary.
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What do the 12 finalists and award winners receive?The 12 finalist's images will be displayed on A0 Freestanding displays in the Lake Tekapo Domain for the duration of the event (September 2024 – February 2025). Each finalist will also receive one copy of the 2025 Mackenzie Region Photography Competition Calendar. The Overall Winner will also receive an $1,000 prezzy card. The Tekapo Four Square Local Award will receive a $400 Tekapo Four Square voucher. The People's Choice Award will receive a $200 prezzy card. All money is in NZD $.
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Who are the judges?A panel of three professional photography experts have been selected to judge the images - Camilla Rutherford, George Heard and Anna Munro.
If you still have questions, please get in touch with the Mackenzie Region Photography Competition team at mtnhousecreative@gmail.com.
Click here to read the full Terms and Conditions.
Previous Finalist Images
2025 Mackenzie Region Calendar
The 12 finalists' images will be used to create the 2025 Mackenzie Region Calendar.
This will be available to purchase online and in select stores around the Mackenzie Region.
Pre-orders available from mid-October 2024
Meet the Judges
Huge thanks to our wonderful local businesses for making this event possible
We hope you love the Mackenzie Region as much as we do. Please help us care for our people and place.
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