The 2026 Friends of Pātaka Art Awards winners were announced and prizes awarded on the Friday 25 August at an event to celebrate artists and their whanau and friends, in the presence of Mayor Anita Baker, sponsors and judges.
The winners are…
Open Award: Kylie Fyfe, for For decorative purposes only
Highly Commended Award: Ash Kahawatta, for her painting The last witness
Jane Hyder Painting Prize: Jill Scott, for her painting In a little corner of the world
First Time Entry Award: Hinemoa Robati for her painting Ruru
The Learning Connexion Creativity and Promise Scholarship: Bonita Huang, for her painting Insomnia.
Profiles of each winning artist in their own words can be founds in the Art Awards>Art Awards 2026 dropdown menu above.
Ana Sciascia, Director of Pātaka opened the event with very positive and encouraging words about the awards and Friends. Presenting the awards, Principal Judge Janet Bayly, Director of Toi Mahara and the other judges commented on the artworks they chose for awards. See more about our judges here.
Our sponsors who have been loyal supporters since the Awards began in 2013, were given a special acknowledgement for their ongoing commitment, – see box overleaf.
The Art Awards exhibition
At the conclusion of the awards, the exhibition in Bottle Creek Community Gallery was officially opened. Altogether 58 artists are shown, 25 of whom are first time entrants.
“The Art Awards are always inspiring, with the range and quality of artworks,” says Friends President Frances. “It’s our opportunity to foster our local artists and we love to encourage first-time entrants to experience showing their work in a professional gallery.”
The exhibition is on until 18 October, so come and see the works entered by Porirua artists. Bring your friends and whanau.
Special thanks to Pātaka staff for collaborating with Friends on improvements to this year’s awards process. “Friends manage the awards,” says Frances, ‘“but we rely on the systems and expertise of many Pātaka staff.”
This year, looking at how the awards are run and how to manage unsustainable numbers, we sought improved processes for Friends, Pātaka staff and for artists.
We amended applications, introduced a selection process to manage numbers, and provided more helpful guidance and instructions to artists for applying and showing work in a professional gallery.
All worked really well, ensuring the awards are sustainable. Artists were warmly congratulated for following guidance so well, meaning a smoother process for all, with their work shown to its best in the exhibition.
Viewers’ Choice Award
The final prize, the Viewers’ Choice Award of $500, sponsored by Friends of Pātaka, will be awarded at the end of the exhibition, on 18 October. Folders of artist statements and voting forms are in the gallery so come and have a look, choose and vote for your favourite artwork.