Long serving members are honoured with Life membership and artist members who have served the Academy and made a significant contribution to the arts nationally are also honoured by the Governor-General Art Award, by which the artist becomes a Fellow of the Academy.
The Academy annually reviews new Elected Artist candidates whose names have been put forward because of consistent high standards of work and
regular support of the Academy. After a selection process the successful artists become Elected Artists of the Academy, and an exhibition showcasing their work is held.
The New Zealand Academy of Fine Arts uses a three tier system to honour its members, whether artists, council members, staff or volunteers.
Governor-General Art Award recipients are
bestowed this honour for their significant
contributions to the Academy and the Arts.
An honour bestowed on artists and other members of the Academy who have either served in an official capacity or supported the Academy as a volunteer.
Artists who attain a consistently high standard of work and for the regular support that they give to the Academy.