Celebrating the art of zinemaking

2026
Best of the Fest

Best Mini Zine

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Best Zine Challenge Zine

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Best Narrative Zine

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Best Activist Zine

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Best Comic Zine

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Best Design Zine

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Best Photography Zine

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Best Visual Art Zine

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Best Poetry Zine

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Best Crafted Zine

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Best Overall Zine

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Best Mini Zine ~ Best Zine Challenge Zine ~ Best Narrative Zine ~ Best Activist Zine ~ Best Comic Zine ~ Best Design Zine ~ Best Photography Zine ~ Best Visual Art Zine ~ Best Poetry Zine ~ Best Crafted Zine ~ Best Overall Zine ~

Best Mini Zine

Winner

‘Window to the Soul’ by Luke Toth

Runner-up

‘The kind of person who would live in a David Lynch film’ by tarzine

Wild Card

‘Ollie’ by Ember C

Best Zine Challenge Zine

Winner

‘Maturing is Healing your Relationship to Pink’ by Kathinka Rogstad

Runner-up

‘The Best Thing About…’ by Jamie Polancic

Wild Card

‘The Secret Shop’ by Jack Hillin

Best Narrative Zine

Winner

‘2169’ by Marijke van Schaardenburg of Five Stitch Printhouse

Runner-up

‘Running on Empty’ by CheckersAndRecords

Wild Card

‘my year of coolidge’ by jewelia howard

Best Activist Zine

Winner

‘Bi the Way You're Gay’ by Tashi Donnelly

“The result is a zine that is politically meaningful without becoming didactic, and deeply personal without losing its wider relevance.”

Runner-up

‘Temporarily Closed’ by Stu Sontier as acquisitive-eye

“This zine is a powerful example of how “show, don’t tell” can function as a form of activism. Its restraint is part of its strength: the maker doesn’t overwhelm you with explanation, but instead creates a visual argument through careful selection, and repetition. The result is a cohesive work where the form of the zine and its message feel inseparable..”

Wild Card

‘The True Revolutionary is Guided by Great Feelings of Love’ by Pressure Cooker Gays

“Small zine, big heart!! There is a real pleasure in the way the maker has inhabited the page, and I can imagine the process of illustrating this zine being as enjoyable as it is to look through.”

Best Comic Zine

Winner

‘Ethereal Fables’ by Luke Toth

“The comic was evocative and engrossing, and used the comics form really well. Loved it.”

Runner-up

‘First Step’ by Deadface

“A simple but really effective comic about metal health and neurodivergence and state of the health service in AoNZ.”

Wild Card

‘Ode to the Home Computer’ by Kalesbug

“A great little comic about a time when the computer was like furniture.”

Best Design Zine

Winner

‘Patient Property’ by P Wits

“This got me excited about print again and love that print is a medium that champions storytelling and still pushes boundaries in this digital age.”

Runner-up

‘Tāmaki Type’ by l_eft a.k.a Kayla Williams

“This was a joyfully experimental piece that presented personal findings in such a beautiful and tactile way.”

Wild Card

‘Queer! It! Out!’ by Blackout Poetry Aotearoa

Best Photography Zine

Winner

‘Smokeyrouieragdollicious’ by johnthebeloved

“particularly appreciate the simplicity of the premise: documenting the first 18 months of life with Rouie the cat; this zine made me smile.”

Runner-up

‘ONE FALL: Beginner's Guide to Auckland's Indie Pro Wrestling Scene’ by milaza

“Fun and informative, this zine is a beginner’s guide to Auckland’s indie pro wrestling scene.”

Wild Card

‘A relationship of brute force’ by Richard Kearney

“Beautiful collages combining black-and-white photographs and negatives, with a playful approach to experimentation and process.”

Best Visual Art Zine

Winner

‘Aimless’ by caito

“This simultaneously uplifting and dark zine speaks to the pain and uncertainty of growth.”

Runner-up

‘Junkmail 2’ by Jasper Parks

“Junk Mail 2 demonstrates the joy of making and sharing through the zine format.”

Wild Card

‘Project Hail Mary’ by Lucus Laurent & Fantasmal Forrest

“The simple structure suits its purpose perfectly: a casual, affectionate piece of fan fiction and homage.”

Best Poetry Zine

Winner

‘bodies of water i went missing in’ by Jiaqiao Liu

Runner-up

‘the second ever yellow lamp lit mag’ by yellow lamp

Wild Card

‘Curation of the self’ by Moira Murphy

Best Crafted Zine

Winner

‘Flowers For Home’ by johnthebeloved

“This zine shows a very high level of craft consideration, every aspect of the zine’s production has been carefully considered and the finish on the end product is flawless.”

Runner-up

‘I Miss You’ by WAMR?!

“This zine is a good example of the hand crafted zine and shows a lot of time and appreciation for craft. The layers of different media give the zine depth. Its tactile nature lends itself to the emotional story of the zine.”

Wild Card

‘Hotpot Zine: Sichuan Spicy’ by Lily Lin

“This zine’s interactive elements adds to the zine reading experience. A fun and unique interpretation of a zine.”

Best Overall Zine

Winner

‘ONE FALL: Beginner's Guide to Auckland's Indie Pro Wrestling Scene’ by Milaza

Runner-up

‘Temporarily Closed’ by Stu Sontier (as acquisitive-eye)

Wild Card

‘The Second Cumming’ by FANG Magazine

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