Stunning images taken by Solomon Islands photographers have been recognised as winners in The Nature Conservancy’s 2025 Oceania Photo Contest, as the Grand Prize is awarded to Tauhi by Miesa Grobbelaar of Australia.
Contest judge and acclaimed nature photographer Jarrod Boord said the Grand Prize winner, from the People & Nature category, highlighted the best and worst of humanity.
“This is an incredible moment that has been captured. It’s a moment in time that speaks a confronting truth about humanity and its impact on the world.
“Without even a caption, it tells a story that brings tears to my eyes. It’s horrific and beautiful, it’s humanity’s relationship with nature at its worst and humanity caring for nature at its best, all at the same time.”
The judging panel praised the Solomon Island winners, including Riley Joe’s Nature vs human for their connection to Solomon Islands traditions, landscapes and wildlife.
“This photo beautifully captures the power and depth of taonga (treasure) in a way that goes beyond the object itself.
“This image also speaks to the deep connection between people and the living source from which the taonga originates. The process of creating such a piece involves ceremony and intention such as acts of acknowledgement, gratitude, and respect for the life that has given its form so we may adorn ourselves with it.”
Entries were submitted across 6 categories, with first, second and third prize-winning photographers chosen by a panel of professional photographers. One of the winning photographs is chosen as Grand Prize winner. All winners share in a $15,000 prize pool for their images that have inspired awe and captured wonder.
With over 3,500 photos submitted from across Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands, the second year of the contest has seen an increase of over 87% in entries submitted, including 119 from Solomon Islands photographers.
Five (5) Solomon Island winners each take home a price valued at $250 NZD.
The winners are:
- Zahiyd Namo – Journey of Tepuke canoe (Water category winner),
- Jason Gagame – Rivers of Green (Land category winner)
- Riley Joe – Nature vs human (People & Nature category winner)
- Zorik Olangi – Mud Invasion (Climate category winner)
- Logan Satu – Emerald on Bark: The Small Predator’s Ascent (Wildlife category winner)
“The standard this year was really high, including great submissions from countries across the whole region. It was a tough one to judge. We chose to reward images that were visually stunning and that told important stories, but that also required luck and great timing as well as a high level of technical expertise to capture.” said esteemed international photographer and contest judge Ben Buckland.
Dr Eddie Game, TNC’s Head of Oceania Programs, said that this year’s winners highlight not only the strength and resilience of the region’s ecosystems, but also the deep connection people have to nature and the vital role it plays in their lives.
“We often think that art and science exist in separate vacuums, but this contest proves that notion wrong. These photographs capture the rich diversity of the plants, wildlife, lands and waters of Oceania – the very fabric that sustains communities, inspires culture, and makes this region such an important place to conserve and protect.”
Fellow judge and award-winning photographer Annette Ruzicka provided further insight into the judging process, noting the varied considerations of each of the three esteemed judges.
“We all bring a different eye and point of view. But I look for something magical – be that subject matter, the moment in time and use of light. One doesn’t have to deep dive or use the best camera for that; it’s about a special moment captured and the photographer’s love of what they shoot. That’s what I look for.”
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