Nelson Airport: Siblings bond over Nelson Airport plane spotting comp

Nelson Airport’s annual aviation photography competition has sparked a shared love of plane spotting for brother-sister duo, Jonathan and Katelyn Oliver. 

Jonathan, 16, and Katelyn, 11, were both recognised among the top entries to the 2026 Nelson Airport Plane Spotting Photo Competition at a special prizegiving event last night (10 September). 

Their proud Mum, Rachel Oliver, said 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, bettered those efforts to win the Youth category this year, while also receiving a commendation for a second photograph entered in the same category.  

Katelyn did her big brother proud by coming second in the Kids category. 
Jonathan and Katelyn joined plane spotters of all ages in celebrating their interest in aviation and photography at the special prizegiving ceremony held at the airport. 

The Overall 2026 winner was Gowreesan Pulendrarajah. His winning image of an aircraft set against a stunning sunset will now join previous winning images on display in the Nelson Airport terminal.  

Independent judge Martin de Ruyter said 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 said the competition was going from strength to 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 took out the Smartphone category with an image of a plane plugged into its ground power unit against the backdrop of the full moon. 

Jonathan Oliver, 16, was announced the Youth category winner (open to photographers between 12 and 18), while Daniel Carmody, 11, won the Kids section for under 12s. 

Nelson Airport Head of Corporate Services Beth Armstrong said the competition was a great way for the airport to recognise and acknowledge the strong local plane spotting community, as well as encourage an interest in aviation amongst the wider community too. 

“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 gets in behind the competition, donating a range of fantastic prizes for the winners, including: 
•    Originair return flights for two people (Overall Winner) 
•    Trial flight with Helicopters Nelson (Overall Runner Up) 
•    Trial flight with the NZ Aviation Academy (Smartphone Winner) 
•    Trial flight with Nelson Aero Club (Smartphone Runner Up) 
•    Flight simulator experience with the Nelson Aviation College (Youth Winner) 
•    Exclusive Tour of Generation Global (Youth Runner Up) 
•    Ride in the Nelson Airport fire truck (Kids Winner) 

 

Photos: Left, Jonathan and Katelyn Oliver. Right, Gowreesan Pulendrarajah’s winning image.