Looking for writing competitions in New Zealand? You’ve come to the right place! This article highlights some of the best NZ writing competitions, sharing key dates, who can enter, the prizes on offer, and how you can get involved. Whether you’re just starting your writing journey or have been crafting stories for years, there’s something here for everyone.
Key Takeaways
- New Zealand hosts a range of well-loved competitions that welcome writers of all ages and styles, from short stories and poetry to essays and fiction.
- These contests often come with exciting cash prizes, opportunities to get published, and valuable recognition that can really boost your writing career.
- Standouts include the Sargeson Prize, National Schools Poetry Award, and Pikihuia Awards, each designed to nurture diverse voices and inspire creativity among New Zealand writers.
The Sargeson Prize: NZ Writing
Since 2019, the Sargeson Prize has been New Zealand’s biggest short story competition and a fantastic platform for both new and experienced writers. Named after the famous New Zealand writer Frank Sargeson and created by writer Catherine Chidgey, the competition entries for 2026 open on 1 April and close on 30 June 2026. Best of all, there’s no entry fee.
There are two divisions: the Open Division, where single stories can be up to 5000 words, and the Secondary Schools Division, for students aged 16 to 18 including home-schooled students, with a 3000-word limit. Winners in the Open Division receive generous cash prizes: $15,000 for first prize, $3,000 for second place, and $1,000 for third place.
The Secondary Schools Division winner gets a special one-week summer residency at the University of Waikato, a wonderful chance to focus on your writing and learn from experienced postgraduate students and academic staff in the Writing Studies Programme. This residency takes place in February or the following summer. If the winner is under 18, parental consent is required.
Judging is done blind to keep things fair, with a panel making decisions based on originality, creativity, and skill. Writers retain copyright of their published work, which appears in the literary section ReadingRoom. Entries must be unpublished and not submitted to other publications during the competition. Eligible entrants are New Zealand citizens and permanent residents.
Past winners have found this annual award a real boost to their writing careers, making it one of the most sought-after awards in New Zealand’s secondary school literary scene.
National Schools Poetry Award
The National Schools Poetry Award is a fantastic opportunity for Year 12 and 13 students enrolled at New Zealand secondary schools to showcase their poetic talents. It encourages young poets to find their unique voice and express themselves through the power of words and imagination.
Participants can submit up to two poems, giving them a chance to explore different styles and themes. Supported by Phantom Billstickers National Poetry Day and the University of Waikato Halls, this award is more than just a contest; it is a celebration of young talent and a way to inspire a lifelong love of creative writing.
The latest competition entries close on 7 July 2025, but don’t worry; the National Schools Poetry Award will be back to keep supporting New Zealand’s next generation of writers.
Re-Draft NZ Writing Competition
The Re-Draft Competition is a brilliant opportunity for New Zealand teenagers to share their writing talents. Open to all young writers, the contest is judged by award-winning New Zealand authors, so you get feedback from real pros. The deadline for entries was 29 August 2025, and winners received cash prizes, publication opportunities, and special recognition through a feature in the Sunday Star-Times.
This competition not only rewards young writers financially but also gives them valuable exposure and a wider audience for their work. The contest will reopen soon to welcome more talented young writers.
Takahē Short Story and Poetry Competitions
The Takahē Short Story and Poetry Competitions happen every year to support new literary talent in New Zealand. Here’s what you need to know:
- Open from 1 June 2025 to 30 September 2025
- Welcomes original stories and poems from writers at all stages
- A friendly and inclusive way to share your work and have fun
Winners gain recognition and publication opportunities, with finalists’ works appearing in the Huia Short Stories anthology. This contest is a great stepping stone for writers looking to break into the literary world.
Landfall Tauraka Young Writers’ Essay Prize
The Landfall Tauraka Young Writers’ Essay Prize is a respected contest with these details:
- Open to writers aged 16 to 25
- Submission deadline: 31 March 2026
- Prize: $1500 and publication in the May issue of Landfall
- Focus: Encouraging thoughtful and well-crafted essays from young voices
Winning this prize can really raise a young writer’s profile, offering both money and the prestige of being published in a top literary journal. It’s a fantastic chance to get your work noticed and take your writing to the next level.
League in Libraries – Rīki i ngā Whare Pukapuka
The League in Libraries program helps improve literacy among primary and intermediate students through creative writing. The Elsie Locke Writing Prize is part of this, featuring:
- Open to children aged 5 to 13
- Encourages personal stories, poems, and essays
- Entry deadline: Friday 13 June 2025
The contest is split into Tamariki (Years 1-8) and Rangatahi (Years 9-13), so kids of all ages can join in. It also supports the Out on the Shelves campaign, celebrating diverse rainbow stories and storytelling in schools.
Rainbow Storytelling Competition
The Rainbow Storytelling Competition celebrates and encourages storytelling from young rainbow and takatāpui voices. Opening for entries at the end of May 2025, it lets participants submit their work in many formats, including:
- Text
- Audio
- Graphics
- Video
This flexible approach lets young storytellers express themselves in whatever way feels right, adding fresh perspectives and creativity to the literary world. It’s a wonderful chance to share your unique story and be heard.
The NZWC Short Story Writing Competition
The NZWC Short Story Writing Competition is a great chance for unpublished writers to win cash and recognition. Key points:
- Open internationally since 2023
- Calls for original stories and unpublished pieces
- 2025 theme: “It didn’t have to be this way”
This contest offers a big platform for new writers to get noticed. Coming up, we’ll share details about the longlist and winners, along with judges’ decision and thoughts on the standout stories.
Longlist Announcement
The longlist highlights the top 25 stories out of over 1000 competition entries, showcasing amazing talent and creativity. It’s a great way to get your work seen by a wider audience.
Winners and Judges’ Comments
The winners are picked for their originality, engagement, and strong characters. Judges, who are award-winning authors, give feedback on the winning stories, praising their cleverness, humour, and intelligence. Some stories were a bit tricky to follow at times.
The top five stories featured dark, surprising endings, showing the boldness and creativity of the writers. The judges’ comments offer helpful insight into what makes a winning story in this competitive contest.
Cambridge Autumn Festival Short Story Competition
The Cambridge Autumn Festival Short Story Competition is a popular event celebrating emerging writers. With a 1500-word limit, the prizes are:
- $1000 for first prize
- $500 for second place
- $250 for third place
It’s a highlight of the festival and a great chance to get your writing noticed. The winners for 2025 have been announced, and you can read their work on the official website.
Pikihuia Awards for Māori Writers
The Pikihuia Awards celebrate Māori writers and their diverse perspectives in both te reo Māori and English. Highlights include:
- Open to adults and school students
- Categories include poetry and a Tauira Short Story Award for students
- $2,000 cash prizes for winners in each category
These awards are a fantastic way for Māori writers to share their voices and gain recognition.
Poetry Aotearoa Yearbook Student Poetry Competition
This contest shines a spotlight on young poets, with cash prizes of:
- $500 for first prize
- $300 for second place
- $100 for third place
The 2025 winners have been announced, showcasing exceptional talent from New Zealand’s young poets. Winning poems are published in the Poetry Aotearoa Yearbook, providing a prestigious platform for emerging voices to be recognised and celebrated nationally.
Foyle Young Poets of the Year Award
This international poetry contest is open to poets aged 11 to 17, with no entry fee. In 2025, over 10,000 young poets submitted nearly 28,300 poems. Each year, 100 winners are selected, with judging done anonymously to spotlight true talent.
Starling – New Writing from Young New Zealanders
Starling is a publication showcasing writing from Kiwis under 25. Here’s what you need to know:
- Submissions are accepted all year round
- Deadlines: 10 April for Winter issue, 10 October for Summer issue
- Submit up to six poems or two prose pieces with a maximum word count of 5,000 words each
Published twice a year, Starling offers young writers a valuable chance to get their work out there and celebrated.
Queenstown NZ Writers Festival Competitions
The Queenstown Writers Festival Competitions are a highlight for writers of all ages, split into three categories:
- Open Category: $500 prize and publication in the summer issue of 1964, judged by a respected writer
- Rangatahi Category: $200 plus $100 book voucher
- Tamariki Category: $150 plus $50 book voucher
These contests offer a great writing space for emerging writers to gain recognition and celebrate their creativity.
Additional Writing Competitions from Creative Writing NZ
Creative Writing NZ offers a wonderful range of writing competitions throughout the year, welcoming writers of all kinds and skill levels. Whether you’re just starting out or already have a few published works under your belt, these contests give you a fantastic chance to share your stories, get helpful feedback, and maybe even win some prizes. Beyond the competition itself, Creative Writing NZ provides a warm, supportive community where writers can connect, grow, and celebrate the vibrant literary culture of New Zealand together.
Summary
New Zealand’s writing competitions offer fantastic opportunities for writers at every stage. From the prestigious Sargeson Prize to the inclusive Rainbow Storytelling Competition, these events provide unique platforms to share your work, win prizes, and get noticed.
Taking part in these contests can be a game-changer, helping you sharpen your skills, connect with other writers, and achieve your creative dreams. Competitions are not only about prizes but also about the fun and real-life experiences that fuel your imagination and craft.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any entry fees for these contests?
While some charge entry fees, many are free to enter, like the Foyle Young Poets of the Year Award. Always check the specific details to be sure.
Can international writers participate?
Some, like the NZWC Short Story Writing Competition, welcome international entries. Be sure to check each event’s eligibility rules before entering.
What are the benefits of participating?
These opportunities can boost your writing career by offering recognition, cash prizes, and chances to get published. They also provide valuable feedback and help you connect with fellow writers.
How are entries judged?
Judging usually focuses on originality, creativity, engagement, and technical skill, often by panels of experienced judges. Many, like the Sargeson Prize, use anonymous judging, also called judged blind, to keep things fair.
When are the winners announced?
Announcements vary by event, so check each timeline. For example, the NZWC Short Story Writing Competition longlist will be revealed in October 2025.