3-4 OCTOBER 2026
Auckland Showgrounds
TICKETS: Adults $35, Kids (8-15) $20, Kids 7 and under Free. Weekend passes available!
LATEST NEWS
EVENT INFO
Chrome SHOWCASE is where automotive, lifestyle, and entertainment collide!
2025 set the benchmark. 2026 raises it again.
NZ’s top show cars will go head-to-head for the most prestigious SHINE awards in the country.
Alongside this is a carefully curated lineup of features, supported by a selection of NZ’s leading brands and traders, with worldwide media coverage across the weekend.
SAT 3 OCT
Gates Open 10am - 6:30pm
Auckland Showgrounds
SUN 4 OCT
Gates Open 10am - 5pm
Auckland Showgrounds
TICKETS
SINGLE DAY PASSES (Valid any 1 day)
Adults: $35
Kids (8 - 15 years): $20
Kids (7 years and under): Free
WEEKEND PASSES
Adults: $60
Kids (8 - 15 years): $35
Kids (7 years and under): Free
FAMILY PASSES (Valid any 1 day)
2 Adults and 2 Kids: $80
QUICK LINKS
MISSION STATEMENT
MOTHERS® Shine Award “Perfection in every detail”
Every vehicle is judged. Every detail matters. Our team of judges evaluates each entrant using a rigorous scoring system—paint, wiring, interior, wheels, engineering, and overall presentation are but some of the criteria.
Once all the cars are judged and the final points tallied, 10 Choice Award winners are selected.
These represent the best across a wide spectrum of builds—from muscle cars to trucks, street machines to surprise standouts.
From those 10, we choose one; it’s the vehicle which stands out from the rest and the one that embodies perfection in every detail. That’s the Mothers Shine Award winner.
ORIGINS & LEGACY
The MOTHERS Shine Award is one of the most prestigious honors in what has become the car builder’s highest accolade in the automotive world, celebrating vehicles that embody flawless craftsmanship, visionary design, and meticulous attention to detail.
Established in 2001 and originally presented at the annual SEMA Show in Las Vegas, the Shine Award recognized a single standout vehicle chosen by an impartial panel of judges from the automotive aftermarket industry. These judges—builders, paint specialists, and journalists—used a rigorous scoring system to evaluate vehicles based on the following criteria:
• Overall appearance
• Fit and finish
• Integration of custom and stock elements
• Creative vision
• Execution of concept
The award quickly became a symbol of excellence, inspiring builders and enthusiasts across the globe to try win the “SHINE”.
THE SHINE AWARD COMES TO NZ
After MOTHERS “Battle of the Builders” evolved at SEMA, the Shine Award needed a new home and ultimately found its way to the bottom of the world—right here in New Zealand. MOTHERS NZ is now proud to carry on this legacy, continuing to celebrate vehicles that reflect the awards standards.
The Shine Award has been featured for the past two years at the Kumeu Classic Car and Hot Rod Festival, and in 2025, it will also debut at the CHROME Showcase, expanding its reach across the New Zealand car scene.
Chrome Showcase will be known as the Winter SHINE events and MOTHERS NZ is excited to engage with an even a broader community of passionate car builders and enthusiasts.
AWARDS & JUDGING
THE TROPHY
Designed by Chip Foose and sculpted by renowned artist Steve Posson, the Shine Award trophy is a striking bronze piece that depicts a car detailer’s towel—an emblem of the care and precision that defines the award’s spirit.
MOTHERS CHOICE AWARDS
Alongside the Shine Award, MOTHERS also introduced ten category-specific “Choice” Awards to honor vehicles that excel within their class. These awards further highlight the diversity and creativity within the automotive community.
JUDGING CRITERIA
A panel of 12 independent judges with backgrounds in all aspects of custom car building will select ten cars for inclusion into the Choice Awards.
There are several specific categories upon which cars are judged:
- Paint: overall finish and design flair
- Upholstery: Fit and finish, use of materials
- Engineering: Chassis construction and suspension
- Engine: Use of aftermarket components or hand made parts. Overall aesthetics
- Wiring: Layout and overall appearance
- Wheel and Tire selection
- Sound System
- Creative vision and overall appearance
- Continuity of all design elements and Execution of concept
At the CHROME Showcase 2025, literally any car there could win as hundreds of vehicles will compete for recognition and all vehicles parked within the showground’s will be judged.
In the end, ten vehicles will receive MOTHERS “Choice” Awards— but only one of those ten will earn the coveted Shine Award, and in doing so, join the illustrious list of past winners who have built into their cars that magic combination of….“Perfection in every detail”.
JUDGING PANEL
TROPHY LIST
| TROPHY NAME | AWARDED FOR | |
| Mothers Shine | Top Car In Show | |
|
Choice Award |
Top 10 in Show | |
|
Encouragement Award |
Cars that have standout features but may have missed out on the Top 10 | |
|
Top Car Club |
Based on combined quality of Vehicles, Display, Theme and show prescence. | |
|
Best Display |
Based on Display/Theme/Props/Info board and how the vehicle is displayed. | |
| People's Choice | As voted by the public |
Premier Events reserves the right to change, modify, remove, or add award categories at our discretion.
Judge’s decision is final. Any questions regarding judging or judging feedback can be discussed on the day with our judges.
Peter Ellmers
The authorized Mothers distributor for NZ since 1988, with over a decade of experience judging the SHINE Award at SEMA in Las Vegas, a long-standing judge at the 4 & Rotary Nationals since its inception, an engineer and engine builder who spent three years in China developing the world’s first aluminum fuel tank for General Motors, contributed to NZ TranzAm and TranzAm Light motorsports, and appeared as a guest A-Team member on the U.S. TV show Overhaulin’.
Alistair Ritchie
With over 30 years of experience working with global publications and auto manufacturers, my automotive photography career has been a remarkable journey, highlighted by unforgettable personalities, iconic custom cars, and the privilege of capturing the world’s most exciting events, including 18 consecutive years at the influential SEMA Show in the U.S. It’s especially rewarding to see Mothers Shine Award judges recognising the incredible talent we have here at home.
Steve Keys
With over five decades of hands-on experience building and restoring hot rods, street machines, and trucks, this automotive veteran is a pillar of New Zealand car culture. A life member of multiple clubs and associations, including the NZ Hot Rod Association and Southside Streeters Inc., he also led the Low Volume Vehicle Technical Association for 16 years. His depth of expertise, leadership, and lifelong commitment to the industry bring unmatched credibility to any judging panel.
John Pavlovich
A lifelong hot rodder and drag racer, this Mothers NZ Brand Director brings decades of grassroots experience to the judging panel. From mastering car painting and frame-off restorations to holding a national drag racing record, his hands-on expertise runs deep. A founding member of Scroungers Car Club and co-creator of the iconic “Piaggi/Pavlovich Special,” he champions the heritage of New Zealand’s hot rod scene through craftsmanship, passion, and dedication.
Greg Pavlovich
With a lifetime steeped in engineering, automotive culture, and motorsport history, this seasoned expert brings unparalleled depth to the judging panel. From building race-winning yachts and land speed cars to restoring vintage V8s, his hands-on knowledge spans hot rods, dragsters, NASCAR, and custom street machines. A former National Street Rod Association VP and proud owner of a rare 1956 Ford Victoria, he embodies passion, precision, and decades of dedication to automotive excellence.
Rod Pike
Rod is a true gearhead with a lifetime immersed in the high-octane world of cars and motorbikes. A qualified mechanic, show judge, drag crew member, and proud owner of muscle, street, and race machines—including a rare ’96 Mitsy GTO—Rod brings unmatched experience to our panel. With deep ties to the Mothers brand and an eye for performance and polish, he is perfectly primed to judge vehicles that push boundaries and shine.
Ian Neary
A lifelong passion for cars began at age 12 and evolved into decades of hands-on experience—from racing go-karts and building a V8 RX3 to customizing classics like his ’59 Ford Skyliner and ’68 Plymouth GTX. A former judge for the prestigious Mothers Shine Award at SEMA Las Vegas, Ian brings deep technical skill and creative vision. He’s currently crafting a HEMI-powered ’51 Fordson van, continuing his legacy of standout automotive builds.
Shane Ushaw
With a lifetime immersed in hot rods and American muscle, Shane brings serious street cred to the judging panel. From childhood inspiration in a VJ Valiant to racing 10-second drag cars and restoring classics like a '69 GT350 Shelby, his experience runs deep. Operating out of his Pakuranga workshop, Shane has built, raced, and maintained countless legendary rides, making him a passionate, hands-on authority with a sharp eye for custom car excellence.
Lance Preston
With over 35 years in renovation and three decades immersed in the world of high-performance cars, Lance is a great addition to our judging panel. A specialist in slicks and circuit racing, a trusted advocate for the Mothers brand, and a familiar face at car shows, he blends technical expertise with a sharp eye for detailing. Lance knows what makes a show car exceptional, and he’s here to spotlight the best of the best.
Aaron Carson
From sketching wild drag coupes as a kid to publishing OnePercent Magazine and building legendary muscle cars, Aaron is steeped in hot rod culture. A musician, club founder, and owner of iconic rides like “Wild Thing” and “Tumblin’ Dice,” he celebrates and preserves the automotive lifestyle. With deep roots in traditional hot rodding and a flair for rock ’n’ roll rebellion, Aaron brings a creative, historically rich perspective to custom car judging.
Barry Dowler
With over 50 years immersed in hot rodding, I bring deep industry knowledge as an A Grade Mechanic, former LVV Certifier, and MOT Vehicle Inspector. I’ve judged NZHRA national events and independent displays, currently serve as NZHRA Zone 8 Director and South Island VP, and proudly own two roadworthy hot rods while building a third. I’m also a Justice of the Peace.
Tony Robinson
With 52 years in panel beating and paintwork, I’ve built and restored countless hot rods and classics—including my own. I’ve judged at NZHRA events, national shows, and displays like the CRC Show, bringing decades of experience to the task. At 66, hot rodding is not just a hobby—it’s my lifelong craft.
Warren Pattinson
I was an NZHRA executive for 30 years and served as president for six. I have many years of experience as an NZHRA judge and bring knowledge and expertise across engineering, upholstery, engines, bodywork, and paint.