The Southland chapter of the International Plastic Modellers Society hosted the 2024 nationals at the Invercargill Workingmen’s Club.
President Greg Braddock said 50 club members from as far as Australia took part in the event and more than 300 entries were on display over the weekend.
"I think the last time we held such an event was in 2012, so it is quite important to us to have the nationals down here."
The hobby had become more popular recently, he said.
"Ever since Covid, modelling has really taken off. People have kind of rekindled with the hobby.
"I mean every gentleman you see here has probably modelled in their teenage years and not done anything for 10, 20, 30 years even — and then come back to it."
Mr Braddock said the hobby was not just for children and club members’ ages ranged from 16-85.
His son, Mace Braddock, for example, was one of the youngest exhibitors at 16.
"I think I worked on my first kit when I was about 6 and since then have been getting more skills and techniques," Mace said.
Mr Braddock said sharing the passion with his son was great as they could also spend some quality family time together.
"When I’m at the workshop with him [Mace], usually I’m helping him to build something.
"It is fun and a good creative outlet."
