Akaroa Wharf focus of photography competition

Akaroa’s iconic wharf is set to be photographed hundreds of times over its final summer.

The wharf, which will up for renewal next year, is the focus of a community photography competition that runs until 31 January 2026. There are three categories – Professional and Amateur; Junior; and People’s Choice.

Akaroa Museum director Lynda Wallace says the 137-year-old wharf has played an important role in the landscape of the town.

“The Akaroa Wharf Photo Competition is a great opportunity for people to visually show what the wharf means to them and to capture the unique part it plays in Akaroa forever. We hope locals and visitors, young and old, professional photographers as well as amateurs, get involved in taking images.”

The top 20 photos selected by an independent judging panel will be exhibited at the Akaroa Museum for a few months from 20 February. Museum visitors will be able to vote for the People’s Choice award.

Winning photos will be featured on core flute panels around the construction sites, used in project communications and permanent signage for the new wharf.

Ms Wallace says the competition is a collaboration between the Akaroa Museum, Akaroa District Promotions and the Council. Main contractors for the wharf project, HEB Construction, are sponsoring prizes.

“It’s a creative, community-first approach that’s helping build lasting memories of the historic wharf.”

Conditions of entry and the submission process for the photography competition can be found at www.akaroa.com.