competition details
The Competition will run from Saturday 19th September through to midnight on Friday 16th October 2026.
Photographs are to be in, of, or from Birkenhead. We will use this map to define Birkenhead.
Enter via the link above.
Finalists will be announced together with the following winners:
Supreme Winner - Adult (15 years and older)
Supreme Winner - Youth (14 years and younger)
Built Environment Category
Natural Environment Category
Our Community Category
See our Terms & Conditions of Entry for full details including photo requirements.
Contact us: photocomp@highburyhouse.org.nz
Get snap happy and share what you love most about Birkenhead!
#lovebirkenhead
introducing our judges
Lloyd Macomber
We warmly welcome Lloyd back to our judging team this year. He is a registered architect and director of well-known heritage architectural firm Salmond Reed Architects. When not working on NZ's lovely old bones, Lloyd is out and about with a camera or drumming in bands. Lloyd was a winner in the inaugural Birkenhead Photo Competition 2018.
Jessica Douglas
Jessica's love of Photography began in the high school art darkroom, and extended through to her studies at Art School, and a weekend job as a Photo Finish operator at the horse races in Canterbury. She has taught Photography as a visual arts teacher at a number of North Shore schools and is currently the Head of Department of Visual Arts at Northcote College. We are thrilled to have Jessica's judging contribution in this year's photography competition, with her unique focus on formal photographic conventions combined with conceptual art making.
Tarciane Bilinski
Tarci, as we know her, holds a degree in Visual Arts, a post-degree in Interior Design, and a lifelong passion for the camera and the paintbrush. Tarci has captured hearts and sold her vibrant pieces across Brazil, England, and New Zealand.
Whether she is leading the room as a master tutor or diving into new techniques as an eager student, Tarci is a permanent fixture in the creative room.
Step into her world at tarcianebilinksi.com, and you will find a rich celebration of the female universe and electric, vibrant colors that leave an unforgettable mark.
thank you to our wonderful sponsors
The team at Barfoot & Thompson, Birkenhead have been long standing supporters of the Birkenhead Photo Competition and we are delighted to welcome them again as principal sponsor and sponsors of the following categories:
Supreme Winner - Adult
Supreme Winner - Youth
Greg and Matt are the new owners of helloworld Travel in Birkenhead and have been so welcomed by our Community that they couldn't say yes quick enough to come on board to support the Birkenhead Photo Competition 2026. With so much of the world to see, stop in and speak to Greg and Matt about planning your next adventure. We are delighted to welcome them as sponsors of the following category:
Natural Environment
Chelsea Rise is an icon in the Birkenhead and such huge supporters of our community. With construction now well underway, now is the perfect time to secure your place in an apartment that promises to elevate the experience of living in Birkenhead. We are delighted to welcome them as sponsors of the following category:
Built Environment
We are honoured to be handed the torch to continue the Association's amazing work on the Birkenhead Photo Competition in the past, as they promote the retention and enhancement of our Community's unique spirit and character. We are delighted to welcome them as sponsors of the following category:
Our Community
Birkenhead Brewing Co is a beloved neighbourhood gem located right in Birkenhead Village. Their community-focused spirit, coupled with their stellar reputation for great food and a relaxed, dog friendly atmosphere, makes them a perfect partner for celebrating local success. We are delighted to welcome them as sponsors of our Competition Finalists.
the history of the BIRKENHEAD PHOTO COMPETITION
The History of the Birkenhead Photo Competition began with the Birkenhead Residents Association in 2018, aiming to celebrate the vibrant community and its surroundings. Over the years, the competition grew, with the last event held in 2023, showcasing over 200 stunning entries from local photographers. This initiative has left a lasting legacy, culminating in the publication of a photo book titled "Images of Our Place," which is available at the Birkenhead Library, thanks to the generous support of the Kaipatiki Local Board.
You can visit www.birkenhead.org.nz to see the wonderful entries to the previous competition run by Birkenhead Residents Association from 2018 to 2023.
Below are some of the entries from the Birkenhead Photo Competition* as we ask you to join us in celebrating the spirit and beauty of our community through these remarkable images.
*may not be true to original image
supreme youth winner 2023 henry kilgallon 'small world'
supreme adult winner 2023 xiao bin wang 'reflection of factory building'
Community category entry 2021 tarciane bilinski 'get involved'
built environment category 2020 u15 lauren stretton 'the night guide owl of birkenhead'