Writing competition

Taiohi Writing Competition (13 - 18 yrs)

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Date

Saturday, 1 August 2026

Venue

Online

About this event

Calling all aspiring young writers! Auckland Libraries is inviting taiohi aged 13–18 from across Tāmaki Makaurau to take part in the Auckland Council Libraries Taiohi Writing Competition. Whether you love creating stories, sharing personal experiences or exploring big ideas, this is your opportunity to let your voice be heard. Entries can be fiction or non-fiction, including short stories, personal reflections and essays that express who you are, what matters to you and what you want other young people to know. Your writing could make someone feel inspired, understood, challenged or simply less alone. Ten finalists will each receive a $250 GiftPay gift card, and their work will be published in an anthology available to borrow from libraries throughout Auckland. Each finalist will also receive their own copy. Who can enter? The competition is open to young people who:

• Are aged 13–18 on the closing date of 1 February 2027
• Live in Tāmaki Makaurau | Auckland

How to enter Entries must be between 500 and 2,000 words (excluding the title and page headers or footers). Manuscripts must be typed, using 1.5 line spacing and a legible font such as Arial, Calibri or Times New Roman. Entry is free, with one submission permitted per person. Entries will be judged anonymously, so your name must not appear anywhere on your manuscript or in the file name. You can also choose to have your work published under a pen name. Meet the judge This year's judge is Jordan Tricklebank (Ngāti Maniapoto, Ngāti Mahuta), curator of the Māori Literature Blog, which explores literature by Māori authors, and creator and editor of Pūhia, a literary journal showcasing work by Māori writers and artists. Jordan is a recipient of the 2023 Verb Micro Residency, and his writing has been recognised at the Pikihuia Awards and published in The Pantograph Punch, Newsroom and Huia Short Stories. Competition closes: 11.59pm, 1 February 2027. For full entry requirements and terms and conditions, visit the Auckland Libraries website.

Entry fee

Free

Listing quality

Verified listing

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Added 7/11/2026 · Last checked 7/11/2026