Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga is partnering with Rokowhiria, Ashburton Art Gallery and Museum, in a photo competition to celebrate the special heritage places in Mid and South Canterbury.

Heritage New Zealand’s Area Manager for Canterbury/West Coast, Arlene Baird, said Mid and South Canterbury were bursting with amazing heritage places.

"This photo competition is a great opportunity for us to collect images of these places through the public’s eyes.”

There are big prizes on offer. The competition winner will have an unforgettable Crater Experience stargazing adventure with Dark Sky Project, located in the heart of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve.

Other prizes for runners-up include a family pass to Te Ana Ngāi Tahu Rock Art Centre courtesy of Tohu Whenua; a family sightseeing lift pass on Mt Hutt Ski Area; and three nights accommodation for two people in a Department of Conservation cabin in beautiful Peel Forest Campground.

To enter the competition, find listed heritage places in Mid and South Canterbury to photograph by searching the list online here. Scroll down and select ‘Canterbury Region’ under Explore the List, then take your pick of the listed historic places in Ashburton, Timaru, Mackenzie or Waimate districts.

Photos must be landscape format and should avoid including people and cars. Entries are open between 5 January and 28 February 2026. All photos must have been taken on or after 1 December 2025.

Entries will be displayed at Rokowhiria, the Ashburton Art Gallery and Museum, from 21 March to 17 May 2026.

Rokowhiria’s Director, Shirin Khosraviani, is thrilled to be hosting the exhibition.

“Rokowhiria is a place where art, history, stories and community come together, and this competition celebrates all these values.”

The judges will be looking for photographs of listed heritage places that reveal a new angle of a familiar place.

Shirin is hoping the entries will be diverse and show unique approaches to photography as a medium.

“There are many passionate and talented photographers in our community, and this competition allows us to support their practice and professional development,” she said.

Arlene is hoping the competition will also encourage locals and visitors to head to heritage sites they’ve never seen before.

“We want to inspire people to learn about their local history and gain a better appreciation of the wealth of heritage in this part of the country.”