Congratulations to the winners of the NZIFF 2026 Ngā Whanaunga Aotearoa: New Zealand’s Best Awards for short films. Judging by the standard of all this year’s entries and the winners, the future of New Zealand film is looking good!  

Umbrella Best Short Film Award ($5,000) 
The Whole Thing by Calvin Sang

Letterboxd Audience Award 
The Whole Thing by Calvin Sang

Auckland Live Spirit of the Civic Award ($4,000)
Arrival by Ahmed Osman

Park Road Post Award for Māori Pasifika Talent ($2,000)
Todd Karehana, director of Socks

Canon Emerging Talent Award (EOS Camera and Lens of the value of $4,500)
Isaac Ieremia, director of Ciggie

Wi Kuki Kaa Memorial Award for Best Performance to a Māori Pasifika Talent ($5,000)
Keporah Torrance for Kurī by Ana Chaya Scotney

Best Artistic Contribution
Allan George, editor of Tall Hours by Sophie Black

Special Mention
Giovanna Varea, for her performance in Daunitukutuku by Tumeli Tuqota