It is the first year the awards have been held, with entries invited from year 12 and 13 students in painting, photography and printmaking categories.  Twenty schools from Auckland submitted an exhibition of up to 18 works from senior students.  Of these 30 pieces were picked for the 'finalists exhibition'.

Kayla's 'Railway Series' photographic entry will be displayed by Exhibbit at a finalists exhibition, and Sir James Wallace will pick the prize winners.  The winning artworks will be displayed at the Pah Homestead throughout November.  There will also be a virtual finalists exhibition featured online and at the Pah Homestead.