25 ARTISTS, 5 CATEGORIES, 5 ROSETTES

The BESTIES categories:
Best Pup · Best Puss · Best Pet · Best Worst Pest · Best in Show

Twenty-five invited painters. Twenty-five new works. One public vote.

Best in Show 2026 brings together a group of artists to celebrate the animals that share our lives, from beloved companions to the animals we consider pests, and our complicated relationship with the natural world.

Every category, including the overall Best in Show, is decided by public vote in the gallery throughout the exhibition.

The winners receive five handmade rosettes, made by me as artworks in their own right, at The Besties, the Best in Show 2026 awards ceremony.

BEST IN SHOW 2026 PUBLIC PROGRAMME
Full public programme dates and details will be announced here.

Fri 4 December 2026
6pm Best in Show 2026 Exhibition opening

Sat 12 December
Loss, Love and Companion Animals. A facilitated conversation on grief, remembrance and the animals who help us through.

Sat 9 January 2027
WISCA and Pets of Waiheke. A community conversation about companion animal guardianship on the island.

Sat 16 January
DOC veterinarian and Hauturu ranger Cathy and Pete Mitchell, with Save the Kiwi and Te Korowai o Waiheke.

Sat 23 January
Animal Wisdom. An esoteric, animal-focused workshop with Leila Lees.

Sun 31 January
The BESTIES. The awards, and the voter draw.

Sun 7 February
Best in Show 2026 exhibition closing day Artworks Precinct

Companion animal friendly event collab with Artworks Creative Sundays

3:30pm – 5:30pm
Artworks Creative Sundays late afternoon session, mask making, costumes,

improv performance welcome.

WISCA and volunteers to ensure health and safety, dogs on leash at all times.

5:30pm – 6:30pm
Best in Show Animal and Bird Call Impressions – open mic, MC tbc

6:30pm – 7:30pm
Best in Show Stories and Poems – My Best Ever Pet open mic

8:30pm – 10:00pm
Best in Show (2000) Christopher Guest film, outdoor animal-friendly screening

   FREE · ALL AGES · ANIMAL-FRIENDLY

Best in Show 2026 public programme is made possible with support from Waiheke Local Board.