NZAME History

The New Zealand Association of Miniature Enthusiasts was formed in 1980 and now boasts over 300 members and affiliation to 21 individually run Clubs throughout New Zealand.

The aims of NZAME have grown over the past 46 years but their main objective stands – to promote the craft of miniature making and collecting throughout New Zealand, plus to organize the Biennial Convention, held every 2 years in alternating cities by alternating host Clubs, and be responsible for publishing a twice yearly magazine every April & September.

Miniature making and collecting is an extremely fast growing hobby – not only in New Zealand but overseas as well.

Here in New Zealand many of our members and miniaturists attempt to learn and construct their own houses, shops, boxrooms, furniture and accessories. It seems we are not content to be be just collectors.
Most miniaturists work in 1/12th scale – this is where 1′ (foot) in real size – becomes 1″ (inch), although there is a growing trend to the smaller scales also now…
1/24th scale – where 1′ (foot) in real size – becomes ¹⁄₂″ (half an inch or ⁶⁄₁₂″ ) and
1/48th scale – where 1′ (foot) in real size – becomes ¹⁄₄″ (quarter of an inch or ³⁄₁₂″ )… and some work in even smaller scale!
Our available NZAME rulers help you to work to scale and see what size your miniature item would indeed be if life size form… helping to create more realistic scenes that seem as if they have just been ‘shrunk down to size’, keeping the illusion as correct and precise as possible, these are available here on our website to NZAME Members, please check out our Resources page.

The ‘hands on’ approach is embraced by many here and the fabulous tutor training that is offered to all the different Clubs and members around New Zealand by the NZAME has bought the skill level and knowledge to high standards throughout the country.
*Available Tutors and their contact details can be found here on our website, please check out our Tutors page.

Many Clubs and groups are also finding it encouraging the amount of younger enthusiasts that are joining us. Allowing the talents of older members to now be passed on to younger hands – ensuring the skills are not lost but live on and thrive for all to share.