The Elsie Locke Writing Prize 2026 is open for entries.

Submission Guidelines

• Open to young writers ages 5-13
• Develop an original piece of writing for publication inspired by New Zealand history and Elsie’s work for peace, the environment, women’s issues, and our community.
• Keep long narratives to less than 1500 words.
• Personal narratives, poems, articles, essays, speeches or plays.
• Accepting submissions in English and te reo Māori.

Prizes: The winning entry will be published in Toitoi 2026, and the young writer will receive $250 in prize money.

Deadline: Friday, July 3

Please note: This is an external competition; all details and all submissions are on their website. Click here.