The 19^th edition of the prestigious Estuary Art and Ecology Awards will be judged by Hannah Buckley, professor of ecology and head of the school of science at Auckland University of Technology.

The awards will be staged at Uxbridge Arts and Culture in Howick from July 5 to August 31.

Recognised nationally as New Zealand’s only art award dedicated to ecological themes, they invite contemporary artists to produce new works that research and respond to environmental concerns around the Tāmaki Estuary and its extensive tributaries.

Artists are invited to research and respond to the estuary in their own unique ways, to underscore the ecological value of this vital waterway and encourage action against its pollution.

Uxbridge director Paul Brobbel says he’s looking forward to strong interest from artists in 2025 as the awards approach their 20th anniversary.

“We receive close to 100 submissions each year and select around 20 finalists.

“What’s exciting is seeing the reach of the awards, with submissions from artists down the road and as far away as Stewart Island.”

Buckley specialises in biological variation in community ecology and understanding the processes that structure biological communities.

Her current focus is on how a better understanding of biological diversity can be used to enhance the functioning of human-modified ecosystems, such as sand dunes, tussock grasslands and agricultural landscapes.

The awards are generously supported by the Howick Local Board, the Rice Family Partnership, Gordon Harris Art Supplies and the Tāmaki Estuary Environmental Forum (TEEF).

Carrying a prize pool of over $9000, the 19th edition of the awards follows the same format as in previous years.

Finalists will be selected by Brobbel and Uxbridge visual arts co-ordinator Zoë May before Buckley decides the three prize winners and two merit awards.

A People’s Choice Award will be announced at the conclusion of the exhibition with visitors having eight weeks to cast their vote.

Artists can submit entries for the awards between April 4 and May 23 with entry forms and terms and conditions available through the Uxbridge website.

Finalists will be notified by June 13 and their work will be displayed in the Malcolm Smith Gallery at Uxbridge from July 5 to August 31.

Winners will be announced at the opening event on July 5 with the People’s Choice Award announced September 5.

Award entry forms and terms and conditions are available online at https://uxbridge.org.nz/exhibitions/.