Type Here 2025 — Wāwāhia Te Tahā (Break The Calabash)

Type Here is Aotearoa's typography poster competition, celebrating contemporary and expressive type-based design. This year's theme, Wāwāhia Te Tahā (Break The Calabash), is drawn from the whakataukī 'ko te mahi a te tamariki, he wāwāhi tahā' — speaking to the inquisitive, risk-taking spirit of tamariki who break precious things in the process of exploring the world.

The theme invites designers to go against the grain: to experiment boldly, apply typography in unexpected ways, and channel the courageous spirit of Aotearoa — from the navigation of Te Moana Nui-a-Kiwa to the ongoing questioning of inherited power structures.

Who can enter:

Entry is free and open to all NZ citizens and permanent residents aged 18+, as well as students currently studying and residing in Aotearoa. You may submit up to two individual entries, plus up to two collaborative entries (with studios, organisations, or other designers).

What to submit:

Each entry must include a single A1 portrait poster or a series of two posters (JPEG, 300 DPI, sRGB, under 40MB). Optionally, you may add a motion component (MP4, up to 20 seconds) or a simple interactive component based on your poster design. Physical entries are not accepted. Work must be from 2024 onwards and must not have been previously entered into Type Here.

Judging criteria:

• Use of typography to bring an idea or creative expression to life
• A unique or progressive design approach
• Well-crafted execution
• Relevance to the theme

Finalists will be exhibited at Auckland University of Technology's Te Wai Ngutu Kākā Gallery. The shortlist will be announced 31 July, with finalists confirmed 14 August.

Convenors: Kaan Hiini and Shabnam Shiwan. Jury: Chris Flack, Sheahan Huri, Sonia Mijatov, and Tana Mitchell.