About Capture the moment 2026

Capture the moment is IHC’s photography competition for New Zealanders with an intellectual disability, or an intellectual disability and autism.

Building on the success of the IHC Art Awards, Capture the moment celebrates creativity through the lens – whether a camera, mobile phone, or tablet.  

The competition is a platform for self-expression, confidence-building, and connection, while highlighting the unique perspectives and stories of photographers. It helps raise awareness of the creativity within the IHC community and encourages inclusion and appreciation through visual storytelling.

Our judges select 30 finalists whose work will be exhibited at FOTO FEST in Hawke’s Bay. FOTO FEST is a vibrant, city-wide visual arts and cultural event held across Hastings and Napier, featuring exhibitions in galleries, community spaces, outdoor locations, and local businesses.

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Theme

This year’s theme is ‘Nature: the living world’ – all the animals, plants and other things in the world.

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Prizes

• Winner – $5,000
• Second place – $3,000
• Third place – $2,000
• Youth Award winner – $1,500
• People's Choice winner – $1,500

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Entries opening

Opening date: 9am, Wednesday 15 July 2026.

Closing date: Friday 14 August 2026.

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Entries will be submitted online via the official entry form. This form will be made available closer to the opening date of Wednesday 15 July 2026.

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Terms and conditions 2026

For more information about entering, please see our Capture the moment Terms and Conditions.

Please note that we’ve made a couple of updates to the Capture the moment photography competition Terms and Conditions. We kindly ask that you take a moment to read through the Terms and Conditions before submitting your photograph and agreeing to the conditions of entry.

The updates are:

Printing, Mounting and Framing of Photograph

If your photograph is selected as a finalist, we will let you know by way of email.  There is no need for you to do anything else.  IHC will print, mount and frame your photograph ready for exhibiting.  We will also print copies (unframed) of your photograph, should these sell.

Payment of Artwork

Due to the growing number of entries and the increasing administration costs involved in purchasing Prezzy Cards and Gift Cards, we are no longer able to make payments using these methods.  If your photograph or print are sold, we will pay 100% of the sale proceeds directly into your bank account.

The photographers bank account details will be requested following the sale of the photographers’ image or print.  

Proof of bank account details must be provided to IHC National Office which can be either being a bank deposit slip or a copy of the entrant’s online bank statement clearly showing the bank logo, their bank account name and bank account number (without the transactions).  

Photographers will receive a confirmation email advising the sale price of their photograph or print and the expected date of payment to their bank account.

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If you have any questions, please contact us at ihc.events@ihc.org.nz.

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Judges

The 2026 judges will be announced soon.

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Exhibition

IHC’s Capture the moment exhibition will feature at FOTO FEST from Monday 28 September to Friday 19 October 2026 at Arts Inc in Hastings.

Address:
Arts Inc
106 Russell Street South
St Leonards
Hastings 4156

Opening hours:

Monday to Friday: 9.30am to 4pm
Saturday: 10am to 2pm
Sunday: Closed

FOTO FEST is managed by FOTO Iwi, a creative charitable trust