MEET THE 2026 JUDGES

Mike White, APSNZ, MNZIPP

Mike White is a Canterbury-based landscape and astrophotographer whose work strives to reflect the sense of awe he feels when surrounded by New Zealand’s dramatic natural landscapes and luminous night skies. A former airline pilot, he brings a lifelong love of travel, nature and exploration to his photography, with a particular focus on astrophotography, capturing the quiet, mysterious beauty of the night sky.

An award-winning photographer, Mike is an accredited member of the New Zealand Institute of Professional Photography, where he holds a Master of Photography distinction, and is an Associate of the Photographic Society of New Zealand. He shares his experience through small-group workshops and individual tuition, supporting others in developing their own photographic voice.

Inspired by photographers such as Craig Potton, Andris Apse and Ansel Adams, his work conveys both an authentic sense of place and a deep connection to the natural world. Mike and his wife Margaret live in Twizel, where they each continue their creative journeys amidst the grand landscapes of the Mackenzie Basin.

Simone Jackson, GMNZIPP

Simone is a Dunedin-based photographer photographing weddings, portraits and fine art imagery. She is a Grand Master with NZIPP, presents educational workshops and judges awards for the likes of including the NZIPP Iris Awards and Asia Pacific, as well as photographic competitions.

Recently, Simone has been awarded NZ 2025 Wedding Photographer of the Year. She was also recognised in the Top 10 Wedding Photographers at the Photographic World Cup.

She loves capturing Nature and Landscape images and has been a winner of Nature Photographer of the year in both 2019 & 2021. Simone enjoys presenting workshops and talks for photographic clubs and events around New Zealand and particularly enjoys encouraging photographers at all different levels.

In her private life, she enjoys her life with her Collie Tess!

If you find her anywhere, she will usually be looking for her car keys or cell phone, as she has never carried a handbag.

Roger Wandless, ANZIPP

Roger primarily works as a Doctor and divides his spare time between his family, life and creative passion for making images. He has successfully published three books of landscape photography of New Zealand. Roger’s images reflect his journey through life and he sees, finds and interprets the subjects in front of him.

He recognises that we all take a different path and so we all have different stories to tell. For Roger, his chosen medium for that storytelling is photography. Light, transitions, design and composition are important elements in his images.

In addition to his published work and being an Associate Grand Master with NZIPP, Roger has won the New Zealand Landscape Salon Gold Medal twice before.