AMBER EMM

Amber Emm is recognized for her fine detailed realism, and strong contrasting lights, floral and shell paintings.

A fulltime artist since 1998 with great success, selling across the world, Amber started off as a qualified Signwriter, back in the days when they used a brush and paint. In 1990 she started painting with watercolours then moving on to acrylics and now oils.

Amber challenges herself with each painting, from photographing the subjects to the finished painting. All to create that “You can almost touch” factor. She also teaches adults painting at Kumeu Art Centre, and with her husband, they run Boutique Painting Tours. 

WAYNE NEWMAN

Wayne Newman FRNSNZ has been President and Director of the New Zealand Academy of Fine Arts since 2022. He has been a NZAFA member since 1986, although he seldom exhibits. He is involved in the support of artists and overseeing exhibitions. He has been a company director since 1996 and a private consultant since 1990, providing services mainly to local authorities and central government agencies, including Crown Law, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry for the Environment. He was executive officer of the Research and Guidelines Steering Group of the Road Controlling Authorities Forum (NZ) for ten years and convened several national working groups of officials on matters related to transport and road infrastructure. He is still currently convener of a group overseeing the design guidance for cycling infrastructure nationally.  He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Numismatic Society of New Zealand in 2022. He has an MA (Hons) in Politics and History (Auckland).

Pieter Meiring

Pieter Meiring, a prominent figure in Arrowtown’s vibrant arts scene, has been a judge in various art competitions. 

Co-owner with his wife Dalene of Giraffe Art Gallery, a historic hub in the heart of Arrowtown, Pieter has been instrumental in curating and promoting contemporary and fine art by both emerging and established New Zealand artists since opening their first gallery in Howick, Auckland, in 2021. 

As a committee member of the Arrowtown Creative Arts Society, Pieter actively supports community arts events, the Arrowtown Arts Trail, and initiatives that celebrate creativity in the Queenstown Lakes region. 

Pieter’s keen eye for talent, passion for diverse artistic mediums, and  unwavering commitment to nurturing local creativity make him an  impartial and insightful judge. Residing in the picturesque town of Arrowtown, he is constantly inspired by the area’s rich heritage and breathtaking landscapes, which shape his appreciation for art that connects people and places.