Taranaki National Art Awards 2025 Opening Night

We’re on the cusp of celebrations for the 23rd annual creative showcase that is the Taranaki National Art Awards 2025. This incredible community collaboration will unfurl on Opening Night, Friday 31st October, with all welcome from 6 pm onwards. The Awards Ceremony will take place at 7pm with emcee extraordinaire Monica Willson leading the way. Esteemed judges Aaron Lister; Senior Curator (Toi) at City Gallery Wellington Te Whare Toi, and Maree Mills; Curator at Te Whare Taonga Waikato, will reveal the award winners across all seven categories, sharing insights on the selected works, with some of our valued sponsors presenting prizes.

Expect spellbinding harmonies from Sherrie and Chloe aka Moemoeā who will be taking the stage. A variety of tasty nibbles will be circulating and look out for photographer Bonnie Kahui, capturing magical moments throughout the evening. The Ōpunakē Floral Art Group will woo you with their fabulous floral creations, complimenting colour and form in their bespoke arrangements.

This year’s theme is ‘Whimsical Wonderland’ and the decorations team are feeling the vibes, so please let your creative flair flow freely and express in your dress!

Tickets are available to purchase now from Sinclair Event Centre, Ōpunakē, for $15 (please note no alcoholic beverages are included with tickets this year, but non-alcoholic refreshments will still be available).

Following the spirited festivities, the inspiring TNAA art exhibition of over 270 eclectic works, will be open daily from 10 am – 4 pm, from Saturday 1st – Sunday 9th November. Most are for sale so please come along to peruse the diverse selection and support the amazing makers.

The TNAA team look forward to seeing you there, being in the midst of dynamic discussions, expressing wonder and awe at the talented creators, and celebrating the sharing of stories with joy of creativity!