- Images in New Zealand Nature must have been taken in the natural environment of New Zealand or its offshore islands.
- Nature Photography depicts living untamed animals, uncultivated plants in a natural habitat, geology and the wide diversity of natural phenomena. Images of animals that are domesticated, caged or under any form of restraint, as well as cultivated plants, are ineligible.
- The subject must be in its natural environment. Photographs of animals and birds living freely within conservation or nature reserves are also acceptable. Naturalised subjects are allowable, providing they are photographed under natural, not domestic conditions.
- Examples of naturalised subjects are deer, black swan, monarch butterfly, briar (not cultivated) roses.
- Minimal evidence of human influence is acceptable for some nature subjects where they have adapted to an environment modified by humans. Some examples are welcome swallows, shags and harrier hawks. The presence of scientific bands on wild animals is acceptable.
- The accurate record of the subject and the natural environment are the prime factors. All images must maintain a faithful representation of a natural form, behaviour or phenomenon as captured in the original image.
- No elements within the original image may be moved, cloned, introduced, deleted, rearranged or combined. No artificial, false or substitute backgrounds are to be used. Any manipulation or modification to the original image is limited to minor retouching of blemishes and must not alter the content of the original scene.
- Resizing, cropping, selective lightening or darkening and restoration of the original colour of the scene are also acceptable. Digital techniques that extend the capability of the camera may be used as long as they honestly and accurately represent the original nature story or event at the time of capture.
- Titles must include the scientific or common name (including Maori) of the subject. Interpretive or descriptive names alone are not sufficient.
When photographing nature subjects, there is always a certain amount of stress put on the subjects by the photographer. The Photographic Society of New Zealand (PSNZ) therefore has put together a series of principles for all members when they are photographing or even observing nature subjects, so that any stress is minimised. The welfare of the subject is more important than the photograph. This applies to geological as well as biological subjects. Any local or national conservation requirements must be obeyed. This includes getting appropriate permits and observing restricted areas. Permission should be sought from private landholders before venturing on to their land. There should be minimal disturbance to the surroundings. It is most important that the photographer has a reasonable knowledge of the subject before attempting to take any pictures. For uncommon subjects this knowledge needs to be extensive. It is important that the photographer has a general knowledge of other associated subjects so that the process of photographing causes no risk or stress to them. This in particular refers to small life forms.