Sixteen-year-old Jonathan Oliver’s love of aviation photography has helped inspire his younger sister Katelyn, 11, with both Richmond siblings earning recognition in this year’s Nelson Airport Plane Spotting Photo Competition.
Jonathan and Katelyn Oliver were recognised among the top entries in the 2026 Nelson Airport Plane Spotting Photo Competition at a prizegiving event on 10 September.
Their mother, Rachel Oliver, says when Jonathan, a previous competition entrant, realised there was an under-12 category this year, he decided to help his younger sister enter.
“He took the bus from our place in Richmond into the airport with her and spent the afternoon teaching her how to use his camera – one of his prized possessions – and letting her take photos for the afternoon.”
Jonathan, who received highly commended awards in both 2024 and 2025, improved on those results by winning the Youth category this year. He also received a commendation for a second photograph entered in the same category.
Katelyn followed her brother’s lead, finishing runner-up in the Kids category.
The pair joined plane spotters of all ages at the prizegiving ceremony celebrating a shared interest in aviation and photography.
The overall winner was Gowreesan Pulendrarajah, whose image of an aircraft set against a striking sunset will join previous winning photographs on display in the Nelson Airport terminal.
Independent judge Martin de Ruyter says Gowreesan’s photo stood out immediately.
“It’s quintessentially Nelson, with the most noticeable peak in the western ranges, Crusader, in the background. Using the palm tree to block out the setting sun makes Nelson look like a tropical paradise - which it kind of is! The judges are always looking for something special and different to hang on the wall at the airport. The winning photographer gets a ten out of ten for this photograph.”
Martin says the competition continues to grow in strength.
“I even had an approach from one of England’s top aviation photographers asking if he could enter. Every year the judging becomes harder, because the standard keeps getting better. I commend this year’s winners for creating the magic now needed to win this competition.”
Pavol Nekl won the Smartphone category with an image of a plane connected to its ground power unit against the backdrop of a full moon.
Jonathan was named Youth category winner, while Daniel Carmody, 11, won the Kids category.
Nelson Airport head of corporate services Beth Armstrong says the competition is a great way to recognise the region’s strong plane spotting community while encouraging a wider interest in aviation.
“We have about 150 entries every year, and the quality and variety of photos is so impressive. We love seeing such a wide range of people getting involved, from ages 10 to 70-plus, and with people participating from all around the country.”
The wider airport community supported the competition with prizes including flights, trial flying experiences, aviation tours and a ride in the Nelson Airport fire truck.
