WhangaStory – Whangamatā History & Photo Competition

A new community initiative, WhangaStory, is launching a Whangamatā History & Photo Competition to preserve our town’s history before it disappears.

Independently promoted by local residents, the competition offers a total prize pool of $2,000:

Gold Heritage Award – $1,000
Ten Heritage Merit Awards – $100 each

Entries close 30 April 2026, with judging completed by 30 June 2026.

We are seeking historic photographs and short written stories relating specifically to Whangamatā’s past — harbour life, flooding events, early streets, forestry, farming, surfing, community milestones and everyday life.

How to Enter

Entries are digital.

If you have original printed photographs and need scanning assistance, Whanga Books (Port Road) will assist with scanning and secure upload when quoting your competition entry number. Originals are returned immediately.

To receive your entry number and instructions, email: competition@whangastory.nz
Full details and entry forms are available at: www.whangastory.nz

All complete entries meeting published standards will receive a Certificate of Participation.

Selected entries will form part of a structured digital archive and may be included in a future Whangamatā history publication.

If you’ve ever said, “I’ve got a photo somewhere…” — now is the time.

Promoters: Rob Boston and Ian Holyoake


 

What We’re Looking For
Historic photographs and short written stories relating specifically to Whangamatā’s past, including:

• Early streets and buildings
• Harbour and marina life
• Flooding events
• Forestry and farming
• Surfing and fishing
• Community events
• Lost landmarks
• Significant local changes
• Our people

WhangaStory 2026 History & Photo Competition
Official Rules & Entry Conditions
1. Eligibility
The competition is open to individuals of all ages. Entries may be submitted by residents past or present of Whangamatā, or by those with historic material relating to the Whangamatā area.
Entries must relate specifically to Whangamatā and its surrounding harbour, coastline and township. 2. Entry Format
All submissions must be electronic.
Photographs must include:

• Location or property name (if known)
• Approximate date (if known)
• Brief description of subject (eg Surf Carnival)

Written stories should clearly identify:

• People involved (if appropriate)
• Location
• Time period

Most modern smartphone photographs are acceptable for initial submission. Higher-resolution copies may be requested if selected for exhibition or publication. 3. Copyright & Permissions
Entrants confirm that:

• They hold the rights to the submitted material, or
• They have obtained permission from the copyright holder

By entering, participants grant WhangaStory a non-exclusive licence to:

• Publish the material in print or online
• Display the material publicly
• Include the material in exhibitions
• Include the material in a future Whangamatā historical publication or archive

Copyright remains with the contributor unless otherwise agreed in writing. 4. Judging
Judging will be conducted by an independent panel appointed by the promoters.
Judging criteria may include:

• Historical value
• Relevance to Whangamatā
• Quality of supporting information
• Contribution to the collective record

Judges’ decisions are final and no correspondence will be entered into regarding outcomes. 5. Awards
The prize pool totals $2,000:
Gold Heritage Award – $1,000
Ten Heritage Merit Awards – $100 each
Prizes are awarded at the discretion of the judging panel.
The panel reserves the right to:

• Withhold awards if standards are not met
• Allocate additional commendations if warranted

6. Public Display & Publication
Selected entries may be:

• Displayed at a public exhibition (including the Whangamatā Memorial Hall)
• Featured in Whanga News
• Included in digital or print publications

Entrants agree that their name may be published alongside their material. 7. Archiving
Selected entries will form part of the WhangaStory digital archive for long-term preservation.
The archive is intended as a community resource for future generations. 8. Withdrawal
Entrants may request withdrawal of unpublished material prior to judging.
Material already published or exhibited may not be fully retractable. 9. Liability
Original printed photographs submitted for scanning remain the responsibility of the entrant.
While care will be taken, the promoters accept no liability for loss or damage to original materials. 10. Promoters
The competition is independently promoted and authorised by:
Rob Boston
Ian Holyoake