The Molly Morpeth Canaday Award (MMCA) 2026 has yet again smashed its previous record, receiving its highest number of entries yet, with 638 artworks submitted for judging from throughout Aotearoa New Zealand, UK, Australia and New York.
In its 40th year, the MMCA is Aotearoa New Zealand’s longest running national art award – dedicated to promoting and supporting New Zealand artists from all contemporary art practices
This year’s preliminary judges Ngaroma Riley, Matt Ellwood and Christina Barton have selected 87 finalists that will make up the awards exhibition, hosted by Whakatāne Art Gallery, through a blind judging process.
Aimee Ratana, curator of the Whakatāne Art Gallery – We’re looking forward to bringing this year’s finalists and their mahi toi to the Whakatāne Art Gallery, celebrating contemporary art practice in Aotearoa New Zealand and 40 years of artists contributing to the story of MMCA.
This award has always felt like a celebration of artists and their practice. Forty years of MMCA is a significant milestone, and it’s important to acknowledge the generations of artists whose work has contributed to its longevity and continued to shape and evolve the Award. We’re particularly excited to present this year’s finalists in our extended gallery space, giving us the opportunity to show more work and create new conversations across the exhibition.
Sue Whale, Chair of Arts Whakatāne – We are incredibly proud to be able to look back over 40 successful years, partnering with the Molly Morpeth Fund board and since 2016 the Whakatāne Art Gallery team to present this premier NZ art award and exhibition to you and offer emerging and established New Zealand artists a nationally recognised platform. Past award Co-ordinator Heather Hourigan is presenting a fabulous review of the winners of the past awards in a book format as well as a slide show of award winners who have gone on to more success and acclaim as artists. We look forward to a festive opening night on the 14th of November to celebrate the vibrant arts with our selected artists and supporters.
MMCA Guest Judge Judy Darragh (ONZM) will then make the final decisions on 11 awards that will be presented on the 14th November 2026 – with the Major Award winner taking home the $15,000 cash prize sponsored by the Molly Morpeth Canaday Fund (Whakatāne). A 12th ‘People’s Choice’ award will be judged by the public over the course of the exhibition.
Celebrating four decades of artistic excellence, the award continues to attract some of New Zealand’s most talented contemporary artists, and this year’s finalists promise a compelling and inspiring exhibition for visitors to experience. Following the Awards Ceremony on 14 November, the finalists’ exhibition will be open to the public free of charge until 27 February.
The successful finalists are listed on the MMCA website here – https://www.mmcaward.co.nz/finalists.html
Dates:
- Saturday 14th November – Award Ceremony and Opening Night 5.30pm – 8.30pm – limited tickets available from https://www.mmcaward.co.nz/
- Sunday 15th November – Public opening and judges talk 11am
- Saturday 27th February – Exhibition closes
The MMCA is supported by the generosity of our award sponsors and supporters
Whakatāne District Council, Whakatāne Art Gallery, Trust Horizon, Whakatāne Ōhope Community Board
- Bay Trust
- Arts Whakatāne
- CNZ Creative Communities
- MMC Fund (Whakatāne)
- William Akel
- Robinson Law
- Craigs Investment Partners
- Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology
- Our Place Magazine
- 4ArtSake Gallery
- Gordon Harris Ltd
- Browne School of Art
- Frames by Daniel
- Julian’s Berry Farm
- Diverse Graphics
- Whakatāne Society of Arts and Crafts
- Anne Tolley
- Dana Kirkpatrick
The Awards:
- The Molly Morpeth Canaday Major Award – $15,000
- The Akel Award Runner Up – $7,000
- Craigs Investment Partners Youth Award – $2,500
- Robinson Law Highly Commended Award – $1,800
- Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology Highly Commended Award – $1,500
- The Mayor’s Prize – $1,500
- Merit Award sponsored by Our Place Magazine – Three page feature in OPM ($4,500 value)
- Merit Award sponsored by Browne School of Art – $500
- Merit Award sponsored by Gordon Harris – $500 product
- Merit Award sponsored by Frames by Daniel – $500 product
- Merit Award sponsored by 4Artsake Gallery, Ōhope- $500
- People’s Choice Award sponsored by Whakatāne Society of Arts and Crafts, Dana Kirkpatrick and Anne Tolley- $750
