The award culminates in a month-long exhibition at Hamilton's ArtsPost, and selected finalists will be invited to have their work displayed at Fieldays.
"Fieldays is proud to present these brilliant artworks, and will be bringing them to life at our event in 2017," said Nation.
This year's judge is renowned art academic and writer Dr Robin Woodward. Dr Woodward is a senior lecturer in the Faculty of Art at the University of Auckland, where she specialises in the history of sculpture and public art.
Waikato Museum director Cherie Meecham said Dr Woodward's knowledge and interests are perfectly suited to assess the No 8 Wire Award entries.
"We are privileged to have Robin on board to select the finalists and eventual winners of this year's award," she said.
"Fieldays is a special event for our region and Waikato Museum is proud to be associated with it through the No 8 Wire Award."
First prize is $7000, second prize $1000, third prize $500, president's choice $100 ArtsPost voucher, people's choice $100. Entries close March 7, finalists notified March 20. Winners are announced at an award ceremony on April 20, with the exhibition April 21-May 22.
