The energetic and direct brushwork bring vitality and life to the painting, which is done in the Alla Prima technique of working wet-on-wet in undiluted oil paint.
Born in Hawke's Bay in 1979, White's creative career developed early.
At 26 he won the Adam Portrait Award and now has a number of works in the permanent collection of the NZPG.
The artist is represented by Sanderson Contemporary Gallery (Auckland), Boyd Dunlop Gallery (Napier), Milford Galleries (Dunedin, Queenstown)
Organisers said the competition, sponsored by The Adam Foundation and presented by The New Zealand Portrait Gallery Te Pūkenga Whakaata, "highlights the power of portraiture and celebrates New Zealanders and the portrait painters who represent them."
The winner and runner-up will be announced on Wednesday, May 26.
Their work will be showcased in the NZ Portrait Gallery in Wellington from May 27 to August 14 after this. The exhibition will be touring nationally.
Most of the works will be for sale, giving admirers and collectors the opportunity to purchase.