Judge Training Weekend | Nelson
2026-06-13 09:30 - 2026-06-14 17:00 (Pacific/Auckland)
This is an opportunity to participate and see what the process is for gaining accreditation as well as what the judges are looking for when they assess salon images. You will gain an insight into what is involved, how to view images, critique and communicate the results to the photographer.

The sessions will run from 9:30 am (for a formal 10:00 am start) to about 4:30 pm on Saturday, and 9:00 am to no later than 4:00 pm on Sunday. The training will be led by Neil Gordon APSNZ and Judy Stokes APSNZ.The venue is the Jaycee Room, Founders Park, Nelson. We are very grateful to the Nelson Camera Club for coordinating local arrangements. We also very much appreciate the support of Leica NZ for the Judge Training Programme.The cost is $50 for financial PSNZ Members, and $75 for those who are not PSNZ Members but do belong to an affiliated club. It is also free (yes, $0) for any existing PSNZ accredited judges who want to have a refresher, provided there is enough room.Preference will be given to PSNZ Members who have a honours distinction. Refunds will be given in the very unlikely event someone is bumped to make way for a Member with honours.Registrations are now open, with participants limited to 30, and subject to the priorities mentioned above.

Creative Stations with Gail Stent
2026-06-20 09:00 - 2026-06-21 15:00
Explore, Experiment, Express

Step into a weekend of pure photographic play! This immersive 2-day workshop invites you to rotate through a series of themed creative shooting stations, each designed to spark fresh ideas, awaken your artistic eye, and push your image-making into exciting new territory. Whether you’re craving inspiration, wanting to try new in-camera techniques, or looking to break out of a creative rut, this workshop blends experimentation, guidance, and plenty of opportunity to create unique, expressive images. Every station offers a fresh challenge and a chance to make imagery that feels bold, expressive, and uniquely yours. You’ll receive guided instruction at each station, time to shoot and explore, and group sharing to reflect on discoveries. Perfect for photographers wanting to find inspiration, try new techniques, and build confidence in their creative voice. Join us for a fun, supportive environment where you’ll explore, collaborate, and leave with a refreshed sense of creative momentum.

About GailGail is a Fellow of the Photographic Society of New Zealand and currently on the PSNZ Honours board. She has been tutoring photography since 2016 and also leads New Zealand Photography Workshops. Gail also tutors photography privately, as well as Photoshop and Lightroom post processing. Her personal work covers a variety of genres, her favourite genres are composites and creative work, macro and closeups, sport, wildlife and underwater portraits.

Details & Inclusions

Where: Tauranga Photographic Society’s club rooms. 177 Elizabeth Street.

Workshop fee: $200, the workshop is limited to 12 attendees

Meals: Tea, Coffee and Biscuits provided. BYO lunch both days

The workshop will start at 9am on Saturday and conclude at 3pm on Sunday. On Saturday evening you’re invited to an optional get together dinner (pay your own way) at a local restaurant.

Once registered and paid, you’ll receive a full schedule, location details, and a recommended gear guide.

Judging Specialisation Session (PJ/Street) - David Smith FPSNZ
2026-07-26 15:00 - 16:30
This is one of three special sessions intended for PSNZ Accredited and Trainee Judges this year.

Sunday, 19 April – Nature Specialisation led by Geoff Beals (APSNZ)

Sunday, 26 July – Photojournalism / Street Specialisation led by David Smith FPSNZ

Sunday, 11 October – Creative / ICM Specialisation led by Judy Stokes APSNZ

Please contact Neil Gordon of the Judge Accreditation Team to register your interest.

Spring Photography Workshop @ Blue Duck Station with Martyn Davies
2026-09-04 08:00 - 2026-09-06 17:00
Immerse yourself in the vibrant landscapes of Blue Duck Station this spring for an exclusive 2.5-day photography workshop with talented photographer Martyn Davies! Located in the Ruapehu District on the banks of the Whanganui and Retaruke Rivers, and surrounded by Whanganui National Park, Blue Duck Station is an outdoor enthusiast’s playground.

The station’s core values are to conserve its endangered wildlife, increase the health of native bush and rivers, and preserve the history of the area, while educating visitors about the endangered New Zealand blue duck, other native species and local history. Blue Duck Station boasts an abundance of opportunities for photographers to capture some amazing imagery.

From sunrise at the top of the world, to native wildlife, towering redwood forest, and so much more our photography tours take you to a variety of locations by ATV and jet boat. Martyn, is a freelance photographer and videographer with a diverse background. After spending 11 years in the army, he transitioned into the alpine rescue and ski industries, where he spent another six years honing his skills in the adventure sport and alpine sport environments. Drawing from these experiences, Martyn now specializes in tourism and adventure tourism photography. He is also involved in live streaming sporting and corporate events.

The workshop fee of $1150 includes:

2 nights’ accommodation in bunk room style rooms, share twin in Whio Lodge. See accommodation here (single upgrades are available on request for an extra $130).

2 cooked breakfasts

2 evening meals

ATV transport (2) around the station with 2 local guides

A jet boat ride that has been extended to 3 hours based on feedback from past attendees.

Lunches are at your own cost on the on-site café.

This workshop is perfect for people that want to experiment with a range of photography e.g landscape, slow motion waterfalls, gardens, station life and birds, while exploring Blue Duck Station’s rugged beauty. Reserve your spot now and don’t miss the chance to see New Zealand’s spring landscapes through your lens!

The workshop will start at 2pm on Friday September 4th and conclude around 2pm on Sunday 6th September. A medium level of fitness will be required as some walking on tracks will occur.

Once you have registered and paid, you will receive more in depth information on the schedule as well as a recommended gear sheet.

Workshop is limited to 9 people

Log into the Member’s Area to register for this workshop.

Judging Specialisation Session (Creative/ICM) - Judy Stokes APSNZ
2026-10-11 15:00 - 16:30

Wildlife of Kaikoura with Leanne Buchan
2026-10-23 17:00 - 2026-10-25 15:00
Join wildlife photographer Leanne Buchan in Kaikōura for an unforgettable long-weekend workshop immersed in the incredible bird life and coastal beauty of Aotearoa. Leanne, owner of Feather in Your Capture, is a passionate educator who loves helping photographers of all levels capture compelling wildlife images.

What’s Included

Private charter aboard the Coastal Encounter vessel Delphinadae, where you’ll photograph albatross, other pelagic seabirds, and—if we’re lucky—dolphins.

Guided sessions along the Kaikōura Peninsula Walkway, focusing on coastal birds, New Zealand fur seals, and dramatic seascapes at both sunrise and sunset.

Workshop Schedule – Friday 23 October – Sunday 25 October (Labour Weekend)

Starts: 5pm Friday

Ends: Approximately 3pm Sunday – Labour Weekend gives you an extra day on Monday to explore Kaikōura or continueyour travels.

Practical Details

Meals: At your own cost in local cafés and restaurants.

Accommodation: Please book in central Kaikōura.

Group Size: Limited to 14 participants.

Workshop Fee: $475

Gear & Fitness Requirements

Recommended lens: 400–600mm zoom.

Expect 3–4 hours on the open sea — good sea legs (or reliable seasickness remedies) essential.

A moderate level of fitness is required for several hours of walking on Saturday and Sunday.

Important Notes

The boat operator may cancel the charter if weather conditions are unsafe. In this case, the boat-tour portion of your fee will be refunded.

Once registered and paid, you’ll receive full schedule details and a recommended gear list.

Breeding Spoonbills and Shorebirds by John Parker
2026-11-06 14:00 - 2026-11-08 12:00
The feature of this workshop is to introduce you to a newly formed breeding colony of Spoonbills in the Hawkes Bay which offers superb reasonably close range shooting.

The workshop will be led by John Parker, an award-winning bird wildlife photographer based in Te Awamutu, New Zealand. Over the years John’s work has gained National/International recognition winning Kiwi Image of the Year, New Zealand Professional Photographer of the Year and has been published in books, magazines, and calendars worldwide. As the founder of Maddox Photography NZ, John has combined his passion for the outdoors, adventure, and photography into a unique experience for fellow photography enthusiasts.

Friday 2.00pmWe will begin at 2.00pm at the Kennedy Park Conference Centre with an introductory briefing and a presentation by John on his Journey and what he looks for in a strong image, followed by a familiarisation tour of the colony.Saturday 5.00 amAn early start is needed to take advantage of the sunrise at the colony. We will aim to be back by 8.30 am so you can get breakfast resuming at the Conference Room by 10.00 am for a processing workshop and processing clinic. Mid-afternoon John will show us one of the best shorebird locations in the Bay where we would hope to catch some evening colour.Sunday 5.00 amOur second early start at the colony followed by breakfast. Then you will have free time to explore these or other locations recommended by John.

Birds on offer at these locations include Royal Spoonbill, White Heron, Cormorants, Patiki, Dabchicks, Australian Coot, Pukeko, Pied stilts, Dotterel, Godwits, Canadian geese, Wrybill and Heron.

Please note the above timeline is weather dependent.

Fitness

All locations are on level ground and provide easy walking.

Accommodation and MealsAccommodation is not included in the fee but we recommend you make use of the Kennedy Park Resort which offers a wide range of accommodation. No meals, snacks or drinks areincluded.
