THE NAW ART OF WOOD EXHIBITION IN KAPITI – OCTOBER 2025
The National Association of Woodworkers NZ (NAW) holds an Art Of Wood Competition every year. Our Guild had not been very involved with this in the past, but in 2025 we were issued a challenge by the NAW President Trefor Roberts – if we could submit 12 or more pieces for the competition, he would bring the winning pieces to Kapiti for an exhibition.
Challenge accepted! Not only did our members submit 28 pieces, but we were also awarded 7 prizes. True to his word, Trefor and his wife Bron brought the exhibition to Kapiti.
The Exhibition was held at Waikanae Baptist Church Cafe on Sunday 19th October. About 100 people attended from our local community, included the Mayor, Wellington and Manawatu Guilds, the local Arts and Craft Societies, the Kapiti MenzShed and friends and family of KWWG.
(Above and below) The entries brought down to Kapiti by Tref & Bron, on display ready for the exhibition to begin.
Our Guild President Dennis Cribb welcomed everyone and then Trefor Roberts introduced the exhibition and presented the awards to Guild members who had won something. Trefor with Jim Lowe
(Left to right) Awards being presented to Ian Barbour, Peter Penhall and Derek Gower.
(Left to right) Awards being presented to Mike Wilkins, Peter Penhall and Mike Wilkins again
Winning exhibits; Drawers by Derek Gower (1st place – Best Item by a New Woodcrafter). ‘Legacy’ by Ian Barbour (3rd place Wall Art)
‘Serengeti Sunset’ by Jim Lowe (3rd place in the Ornamental category). ‘Copper Koi’ by Jim Lowe (Highly Commended in the Hollow Forms category).
All 3 bowls by Peter Penhall. (2nd place, 3rd place and highly commended in the Plain Bowls and Platters category).
After receiving their awards, each person was invited to speak about their piece. (Left to right) Mike, Ian B and Jim.
Speaking about their pieces were Jim, Derek G, and Peter
Our Guild members also entered these pieces.
(Left to right above) ‘Swamp Kauri Bowl’ by Peter Penhall. ‘Kauri Reborn’ by Jim Lowe and ‘Plane Bowl’ by Jim Lowe
‘Fruits of the Sea’ by Jim Lowe. ‘Kina Trio’ by Katy Cottrell. ‘Family Ties (Here Whanau)’ by Ian Pratt
‘Walnut Natural Edge Bowl’ by Don McWhirter. ‘Sunset over Red Beach’, ‘Whakapokoko’ and ‘Flax Skyline’ all by Jim Lowe.
‘Wisteria Platter’ by Don McWhirter. ‘Black Maire Salad Bowl’ by Clive Williams. ‘Square Rimu Plate’ by Bob Glensor
‘Nga Manu Rata Dish’ by Don McWhirter. ‘Nga Manu Rata Leaf Dish’ by Don McWhirter. ‘Yew Blossom’ by Jim Lowe.
Discussing the artwork (left to right) Katy Cottrell, Ian Barbour, Derek Gower and Jim Lowe
Discussing their pieces (left to right) Mike Wilkins, Ian Barbour and Jim Lowe
(Above and below) All the entries for the NAW Art of Wood Competition brought to Kapiti by Trefor and Bron Roberts.
Woodwork from our Guild was also on display on the day. These items did not form part of the National Art of Wood competition.
Items from KWWG on display (but not part of the NAW AoW Exhibition) 2 pieces by Graeme McIntyre, and 2 by Rusell Barnes.
About 100 attendees enjoyed the afternoon which was followed by time to browse (and purchase) the exhibits.
Lots of inspiration for Art of Wood 2026. Mayor Janet Holbrow models the fascinator made by Trefor Roberts.
The afternoon concluded with a lovely afternoon tea and time to chat.
Kapiti News Editor Leanne Warr attended the afternoon. Click here to read her article.
More information on the NAW Art of Wood Exhibition 2025, plus photos of all the competition entries can be found here.
Photos on this page by Quentin Christie, Glenis & Julian Chapman and Bron Roberts.