About the competition

No need to be a professional to participate in this community photo competition! If you don’t have a camera, all you need is your phone.

Local businesses, associations and residents of all ages in the Motueka ward (including Motueka, Riwaka, Lower Moutere, Kaiteriteri, Mārahau, and other surrounding rural areas) are invited to submit a photo portrait of an individual or a group representing one or more of the following categories:

1. Family
2. Local Businesses & Hospitality
3. Agriculture
4. Cultural Communities
5. Tangata Whenua
6. Community Groups & Volunteering
7. Active Lifestyle

The People of Motueka Portrait Photography Competition 2026 is a community initiative by Glasgow Harley (Lawyers est.1858), in collaboration with the Motueka Arts Council, the Motueka Camera Club, Love Motueka, the Motueka iSite Information Centre, the Motueka District Museum, Nelson City Framers, Pete’s Natural, Steve Hussey Photography, Minime Photography, and Real Family Photography, celebrating the people, stories, and identity of the people in the Motueka ward.

The competition is now closed and votes close Sunday 18 October!

The top 3 photo-portraits and group portraits per category represent our finalists and were featured in a public exhibition at the Motueka Library in September. Missed it? You can still enjoy the exhibition by exploring different locations in Motueka as part of the People of Motueka Art Trail.

Exhibited pictures will be in competition to win the People’s Choice Award, a $500 cash prize. The public will be able to vote via our online gallery, available during the public exhibition on our website at ghlegal.co.nz/peopleofmotueka/vote. Votes close on Sunday 18 October.

Others prizes include:

a generous 3-hour photoshoot session and a free 8x10" print (total value of $800!) by Real Family Photography;
Love Motueka vouchers (Motueka gift vouchers which can be redeemed at over 40 participating stores.)
your favourite Pete’s natural drinks!

Exhibited works will be installed as part of a community Art Trail and a longer-term display across Glasgow Harley offices. Selected works may be displayed for an extended or indefinite period.

An awards ceremony will take place in our offices in Motueka later in November, after the art trail.

Follow the competition on our socials

Follow Glasgow Harley on Facebook and be informed about the competition including finalists, exhibition and art trail
Share your pictures using the #peopleofmotueka and discover other submissions
Invite your friends and family to vote for the People’s Choice award