Winners announced in Dunedin Botanic Garden photo competition

Launched during Botanic Gardens Week in late May, the competition invited photographers of all ages and experience levels to capture the magic of the garden. From vibrant plant life to fascinating wildlife, images submitted showcased the garden through fresh and unique perspectives.

Dunedin Botanic Garden Manager Catherine Bradley says, “Thank you to everyone who took part in The Living Lens: Botanical Views photo competition. We had over 250 entries and were thrilled to receive so many creative and inspiring images celebrating the beauty of the Dunedin Botanic Garden.”

Open to all ages, the competition had two categories: Flora (plants) and Fauna (people, animals, insects etc); each category was split into three age brackets: Junior (10 years and under), Youth (11 - 17 years old) and Adult (18 years and older).

Award-winning Otago Daily Times Illustrations Editor and guest judge Stephen Jaquiery was impressed by the quality and breadth of entries.

“Photographers of all ages have captured a kaleidoscope of images. Winning styles varied from macro close-ups to expansive wide-angle vistas of towering trees.”

Mr Jaquiery describes Kathy Richards’ winning entry in the Adult Flora section as, “an intriguing close-up image of sycamore seedpods”.

“Strong light against the contrasting dark background has highlighted veins in the seeds’ wings, while a cleverly composed, heart-shaped infusion of blue adds interest to the centre of the photograph.”

Gautam Pahwa’s winning photo in the Adult Fauna section is described by Mr Jaquiery as, ”a fairyland image of a child sitting in a pool of sunlight at the base of a towering pine”.

“Following the perfect rule of thirds, this image with dark foliage at the top and a shadowy foreground oozes tranquility.”

Winners will receive JB Hi Fi gift cards and the winning photographs will be exhibited at the Dunedin Botanic Garden Information Centre from 20 July until 31 August 2026.

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Winners and runners-up for each category:

Flora (Plants)

Junior (10 and under)

Winner: Reynu Sabin – Autumn Colours

Runner-up: Lewis Wilson – Winter Flare

Youth (11 - 17)

Winner: Hugo Siloy – The Three Stages of Bloom

Runner-up: Stevie Duncan – Among the Spikes

Adult (18+)

Winner: Kathy Richards – Helicopters

Runner-up: Grant Reddington – Paw and Pal

Fauna (People, animals, insects…)

Junior (10 and under)

Winner: Lucas Kingsbury – The White Duck

Runner-up: Addison Gittoes – Dancing with Fans in the Sun

Youth (11- 17)

Winner: Mila Lou – Crested Pigeons

Runner-up: Hugo Siloy – A Bumblebee’s Bouquet

Adult (18+)

Winner: Gautam Pahwa – Sanctuary

Runner-up: Kathy Richards – Piwakawaka

Staff Pick

Winner: Jenna Hales – Autumn Dancer

www.dunedinbotanicgarden.co.nz/photocomp

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