Place getting models in any previous I.P.M.S National Competition (i.e., 1st, 2nd, and 3rd) or any model that achieved a gold award are not eligible to re-enter another I.P.M.S New Zealand National Competition. Any model that has been previously placed or achieved a gold award can be displayed in the display area only if one is provided. The exception to this is up to two place getting or gold award models may be used as part of a collection entry. (Rule 14)
The awards will be the following:
Gold, Silver, Bronze and Highly Commended ribbon, medal or similar alternative with 1st, 2nd and 3rd place ribbon, medal, or similar alternative in each class.
There will be a Best in Class awarded to the overall best model in each class. i.e., Best Aircraft.
There will be a Best in Show award selected from all the Best-in-Class models to the overall best model in that competition.
The chief judge will provide guidance, oversee, check, and where required confirm and amend judging team’s decisions.
2026 National Competition Chief Judge: Grant (Thomo) Thomson
Members will be asked for assistance, and members should indicate their availability when entering the national competition to assist with judging.
Judging teams shall be made up of a panel of 3 judges with each judge being from a different club. Judging teams shall consist of the following:
a) The lead judge – experienced in judging at national or higher level and can give guidance and advice to the other judges on the panel. Will make final decisions as required.
b) Judge 2 – a person who is experienced at judging at least at club or regional level.
c) Judge 3 – a person ideally who has some judging experience but may be a novice.
To ensure there are sufficient judging panels all clubs are expected to make members available to assist with judging if they have members attending.
Entries shall be judged according to the I.P.M.S New Zealand judging guide. (see below) All judges should familiarize themselves with the guidelines. It is recommended clubs utilize the I.P.M.S New Zealand judging guide to create a familiar standard for all members. This will make it easier for members to assist with judging at a national event.
A judge’s brief is to occur prior to judging commencing. This will be completed by the chief judge but may be delegated if required. This will detail the following.
a) Detail and familiarize all judges with the judging guidelines.
b) Who the judging teams are.
c) What classes each team will be judging.
d) How the judging teams will operate. i.e., the lead judge will have the deciding vote if required.
e) What will happen if there are any decisions a judging team is unable to make.
All judge’s decisions are final. No debate or correspondence will be entered into.
Formal feedback will not be provided at this competition. Entrants are not permitted to approach any judge prior to the completion of judging. If any entrant approaches any judge they face disqualification.
Torches or magnifying devices in any form will not be used at any I.P.M.S New Zealand National Competition. Prescription glasses are permitted for those who require them.
Models will not be picked up or handled for viewing by judges unless it is clearly indicated on the entry form by the entrant that this may occur. If a model must be moved ONLY the lead judge in that team will do so. i.e., is partially obscured by another model and needs to be moved to be clearly viewed.
Collections will consist of 5 or more closely related items (e.g., five different WW2 tanks would not be a collection, five Sherman tanks would).
Bases are allowed in all categories. Bases will not be considered except in the diorama or vignette classes or where 2 models may tie for a placing. Mirrors are permitted to place models on for ease of viewing by the entrant.
Any models entered on a base must be securely fixed to that base or it MUST be clearly stated that model is not fixed to that base, preferably on that models’ entry form.
A diorama shall generally be aircraft and or vehicles and or ships or boats with figures on a single scenic base depicting a scene. A single figure, vehicle or aircraft displayed on a base with ground cover will not constitute a diorama.
A vignette shall generally be 2-4 figures on a single scenic base depicting a scene.
Entries may comprise of any generally accepted modelling material (i.e., plastic, resin, wood, or metal etc.)
All entries must be the sole work of the entrant. Entries by proxy are allowed where an entrant cannot attend an event in person.
3D printed models are eligible to enter in their appropriate class. 3D printed parts may be used as detail or aftermarket parts.
Junior class entrants must be 17 years of age or younger at the time of the competition.
Final class and category placement of models is at the discretion of the competition committee.
The competition organisers will take all care of entrant’s models but will accept no responsibility for any damage that may occur.
Entries may be removed from tables from 3pm on Sunday 1st of November. Entrants should organize their travel around this time. If you need to remove your entries earlier, organize this with the competition committee.
Special awards.
Special awards for the 2026 National Competition are as follows.
a) Geoff Prentice Memorial Award for Best Vac-Form Aircraft
Awarded to the best Vac-Form Aircraft entered in that year’s competition.
b) Best New Zealand Subject. (All Classes)
c) Public Choice Award.
The best model, open to and voted for by any attendee at that competition.
d) Theme Award – 25th Anniversary of New Zealand’s Deployment to Afghanistan
Any model depicting any force, vehicle, aircraft or civilian that saw service, action or lived in Afghanistan from 2001 to the present day.
