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A striking image of a native Pīwakawaka with its tail perfectly fanned has won first place in IHC's 2026 Capture the moment photography competition. The annual competition celebrates the creativity and talent of photographers aged 13 and over with intellectual disability across Aotearoa New Zealand.

Capture the moment provides a platform for people with intellectual disability to share their unique perspectives and skills through photography and showcase the moments, people and places that matter most to them.

This year's overall winner, Beren Hughes received the $5,000 first prize for his photograph Pīwakawaka 'Fanning Out'.

Beren, a second-time winner from New Plymouth, said he spotted around seven Pīwakawaka flying around the tree catching insects and decided to challenge himself to capture one with its tail fully spread.

"I captured this almost perfect 'fan' while shooting a group of Fantails around this tree. This one sat still just long enough to capture," Beren says. "It took me about 15 minutes to get the shot. I'm super proud of it."

Second place and a prize of $3,000 went to Jade Laughton, of Kaitaia, for Cook My BBQ Steak Medium Please, a character-filled image of a dog waiting patiently for dinner on Great Barrier Island.

Jade's mother said the image was taken during a family barbecue at her son's home, where Jade spent the afternoon capturing a variety of spontaneous photographs.

"We knew when we saw the dog's tongue perfectly focused that it was a winning shot."

Third place and $2,000 was awarded to Amelia Attwood, of Whangārei, for her moving photograph In Memory of My Mum.

"I took this photo at the rose gardens where I visit my mum," Amelia said.

The competition's Youth Award, with a $1,500 prize, was won by Kai St John-Harris Spencer of Auckland, for She Rises Once Again, an evocative silhouette image taken at Te Henga (Bethells Beach) in Tāmaki Makaurau.

"The dusk sun coats a horse as the sun sets on the ocean's horizon," Kai said. "The sun comes up the horizon, she gallops down the strait, stride strong, her glow radiates across the water, the wind echoes her name, she will be met by the moon, the horizon rises again."

IHC Chief Executive Andrew Crisp said the quality of photography entered in the competition this year had been fantastic.

"The quality of photography and creativity that our community produces should be celebrated, and that’s why IHC loves this competition," he said. "Creativity is a real strength for many people with intellectual disability and Capture the moment is an opportunity to highlight and reward those talents. Congratulations to all the winners and thank you to everyone who entered."

The winning images and other selected entries can be seen at IHC’s Capture the moment exhibition at FOTOFEST in Hastings from Monday 28 September to Thursday 22 October 2026.

The photos can also be seen online here on IHC's website, and can be voted on for the People's Choice Award.

Exhibition venue:

Hastings Art Centre (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

Prize winners

First Place ($5,000) Beren Hughes - Pīwakawaka ‘Fanning Out’

Second Place ($3,000) Jade Laughton - Cook My BBQ Steak Medium Please

Third Place ($2,000) Amelia Attwood - In Memory of My Mum

Youth Award ($1,500) Kai St John-Harris Spencer - She Rises Once Again