Show FAQ
Show Information
What are the dates for the 2026 WOW Show?
17 September to 4 October 2026
Where is the WOW Show?
The WOW Show is held at the TSB Arena, Queens Wharf, Wellington, New Zealand.
How long is the WOW Show?
The WOW Show is approximately 100 minutes, including the AV presentation. There is no interval during the show.
The Awards Night show includes an awards ceremony which runs for approximately 40 additional minutes. At all performances following Awards Night, there will be a short AV presentation of the awards results after the performance which will take approximately 15 minutes.
Is the WOW Show suitable for children?
While the show's content is suitable for children and they are welcome to attend, we do ask that you consider a few things before making a decision that is right for your whānau:
- We do not offer children's ticket prices
- The show runs for approx. 100min with no interval
- There are flashing lights and loud music
Can you accommodate wheelchair access and other accessibility needs?
Absolutely! There is wheelchair and easy-access seating available. Please contact us directly by email, or call 0800 496 974.
What happens on Opening Night?
Opening Night is the first public performance of the WOW Show on Thursday 17 September. It's a chance to see the Show before anyone else, and with tickets priced at least $30 lower than Peak, it's a great option for the budget-conscious. The only difference is that the competition winners are not announced at the end of this performance.
What happens on Awards Night?
Awards Night is on Friday 18 September. There will be a live awards ceremony directly following the show, which lasts about 40 minutes. This is a night of celebration, with many of the designers and their whānau attending. The ceremony is NZSL interpreted.
I am looking for accommodation in Wellington, what do you recommend?
We recommend our partner hotels, QT Wellington and Sojourn Apartment Hotel. For further options, we suggest you visit WellingtonNZ.com.
Ticket Information
When will 2026 WOW Show tickets go on sale?
Tickets for the 2026 WOW Show will go on sale on Tuesday 24 March. Sign up to our emails to be the first to know when they do.
Stageside
Lost Property
Who do I contact if I’ve lost or misplaced something during the show?
Please get in contact with the TSB Arena venue management team and log your missing item here.
Contact Us
How do I contact WOW Ticketing?
Please email us or call 0800 496 974.
Designer FAQ
Is there an entry fee?
No. There is no entry fee to enter the WOW Competition.
Is there an age restriction?
Entrants must be 18 years or over.
Am I an International or a New Zealand entrant?
The country an entry is from is determined by the place where a designer mostly resides. If an internationally-born designer is living in New Zealand, with New Zealand citizenship or New Zealand permanent residency, they are considered a New Zealand entrant and are not eligible for the International Design Merit Award.
Internationally-born designers living in New Zealand on temporary visas, are considered International entrants. A design group made up of both New Zealand and International designers are not eligible for the International Design Merit Award or the New Zealand Design Merit Award.
Can I submit more than one entry in the Competition?
Yes. You may submit multiple entries in the competition.
An entry can consist of up to three garments, and there is no limit to the number of entries that you can submit.
Can I submit a sketch or drawing?
No. You must include at least ten full length photographs of your actual completed garment as part of your entry submission.
Am I eligible for the Student Distinction Award?
To be eligible for the Student Distinction Award, the designer must be currently enrolled in a tertiary level course or have graduated within 12 months as at the international step 2 deadline.
The designer must provide their student ID number as part of the entry process requirements.
I am a student / first-time entrant but my design partner is not, is our entry eligible for the Student DISTINCTION Award / First-time Entrant Award?
No. Both designers must be students (or graduated within 12 months as at the step 1 deadline) to be eligible for the Student Distinction Award.
This also applies to the First-Time Entrant Award, both designers must be first-time finalists to be eligible for the award.
Why can't I log in to start the online entry process?
Have you registered? Designers must register to receive their unique designer number before they can complete the online entry process.
If you have forgotten the email address that you used to register or are still having issues logging in, please contact our Competition Manager, Angela Fisk: angela@worldofwearableart.com
Why can't I upload my photos or videos?
If you are struggling to upload photographs or a video to your online entry form, they may be the wrong size or format.
Please see below for the requirements:
Photograph Format Requirements
File Format: JPG, tiff, PNG, BMP only
NB. The online entry form cannot accept PDFs, .rar, .zip or other formats
File Size: 1.5MB maximum
Video Format Requirements
File Format: MP4 or MOV only | File Size: 25MB maximum
Video Duration: 15 seconds maximum
How do designers book tickets to the WOW Show?
If your entry is chosen as a finalist (at First Judging, the judges select your entry to appear on stage in the WOW Show), you are entitled to TWO FREE Premium Seat in the ‘Designer Seating Section’ on Awards Night. You can also purchase up to three adjacent seats for your family or friends.
If your entry is not successful at First Judging, you will have the opportunity to purchase two tickets (for you and a family member or friend) in the ‘Designer Seating Section’ on Awards Night.
What are the dates for the 2026 WOW Show?
17 September to 4 October 2026
How do designers book tickets to the WOW Show?
If your entry is chosen as a finalist (at Final Selection, the selection panel verifies if your entry is selected to appear on stage in the WOW Show), you are entitled to ONE FREE Premium Seat in the ‘Designer Seating Section’ on Awards Night. You can also purchase up to three adjacent seats for your family or friends.
If your entry is not successful at Final Selection, you will have the opportunity to purchase two tickets (for you and a family member or friend) in the ‘Designer Seating Section’ on Awards Night.
