Presented by Arts Whakatāne and exhibition partner Te Kōputu a te whanga a Toi - Whakatāne Library and Exhibition Centre, this annual non-acquisitive award is dedicated to excellence across all art forms within Aotearoa New Zealand contemporary art practice.

The Molly Morpeth Canaday Award 2025, held at Te Kōputu a te Whanga a Toi marks the 39th year of Aotearoa New Zealand's most enduring contemporary art prizes. This round of the award features a substantial prize pool of over $25,000 supporting both emerging and established artists across the country.

The coveted Major Award grants $10,000 to its recipient, with the Akel Runner Up Award $4,000 and the Craig's Investment Partners Youth Award winner receiving $2,500. Additionally, a Highly Commended Award sponsored by Robinson Law is offered along with the Mayor’s Prize (for those who whakapapa to the Whakatāne region) - a value of $1,500 each.

Merit Awards are sponsored by Our Place Magazine, Gordon Harris Ltd, Browne School of Art 4ArtSake Gallery and Frames by Daniel along with new sponsors Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology. The People's Choice Award, a sought-after recognition with a prize of $500 sponsored by Whakatāne Society of Art and Craft and Anne Tolley, will be determined through visitor votes and unveiled towards the conclusion of the exhibition, March 22, 2024.

The judging process comprised of two stages, with three esteemed art practitioners reviewing the 548 entries received. They have selected the 50 final works featured in the MMCA 2025 exhibition. These then underwent evaluation by Guest Judge Sonya Korohina (Director, Tauranga Art Gallery)

A free Judge’s talk on Sunday 2nd, 11am will offer an opportunity for art lovers to gain further insight into the judge’s thoughts and process.

The Arts Whakatāne project team has expressed excitement about the varied array of submissions this year. ”The standard this year is spectacular and has been a tough job for our judges! Gallery visitors should look forward to seeing a diverse and outstanding display of contemporary Aotearoa New Zealand artworks .”

Presented by Arts Whakatāne in collaboration with Whakatāne District Council, the 2025 Molly Morpeth Canaday Art Award is made possible through the primary sponsorship of Molly Morpeth Canaday (Whakatāne) Fund, NZCT, Whakatāne Ōhope Community Board, Bay Trust, Creative New Zealand and a small passionate and dedicated team of volunteers.