The Waikato Society of Arts has been part of the Waikato landscape since 1934, as early custodians of art in the Waikato. In its 87-year history, its mission has been to promote the study of art, connect artists, and provide resources and exhibitions to support artists.

The Waikato Society of Arts established the New Zealand Painting and Printmaking Awards initially through contact with Peter Sergel, who was involved with the Summer Arts Festival and wanted to include visual arts in their programme. Glennis du Chatenier, Graham Henry and Pam Nash approached the Vela family for support, and from there the awards evolved and have grown ever since, through many dedicated committees and volunteers. Philip and Lyn Vela supported the main prize for the NZPPA from 2000 to 2020, and without their generosity this award would not have grown as successfully as it has and continues to do.

This year the awards are back at the Hamilton Gardens Pavilion after two successful years partnering with Wintec in their spacious atrium venue. The judge, Dr Ed Hanfling, is originally from Hamilton and NZPPA is excited to bring his skills to this major platform in New Zealand art. His research encompasses activities within and between the disciplines of art history and art criticism. He has published books and articles on modernist abstract art in New Zealand and internationally (particularly on Milan Mrkusich, Roy Good, Mervyn Williams and Morris Louis), and his writings also investigate theories and issues of judgement, value and the canon. He contributes regular reviews and articles, and has written extensively, in catalogues and books, on the work of New Zealand painter Ian Scott and printmaker Anthony Davies. Dr Hanfling is currently a lecturer in art history and theory, Dunedin School of Art, Otago Polytechnic.