Competition Calendar
Welcome to 2023's Phantom Billstickers National Poetry Day Competitions Calendar! Here you'll find the details of the wonderful competitions that happened in 2023 - regional, nationwide and online, for children and adults. There were opportunities galore to put your pen to paper and release a poem out into the wild!
Rock on Phantom Billstickers National Poetry Day 2024!
NATIONWIDE
Bell Hill Apartments Dunedin 2023 Poetry Competition
This year’s theme is about one of our apartments: “THE LEGACY OF HENRY MATTHEWS”. $200 prize, sponsored by www.bellhillapartments.co.nz & www.newheritage.co
Entry Details: Free entry. Poem to be 150 words maximum ,A4 page, double line spacing. Open to people residing in New Zealand. Submit one original entry only. Entries will be blind judged by writer, poet, artist Colette O’Kane. Judge’s decision is final, no further correspondence entered into.
Include: Title, poet name,email address, phone number, word count on same page – NB: these will not be included in poem word count. Winning entry will be added to the Bell Hill Apartments Welcome Book with poet acknowledged. Winning poem to be announced during National Poetry Day.
Submission Dates: Open from 1July 2023 – closing 5pm, 29 July 2023.
Contact Details: Email entry as PDF to: fliss@newheritage.co
Further Info: Promoted on Twitter @newheritage.co and @LiteratureAlive
Given Words from Andalusia
Given Words is back for Phantom Billstickers National Poetry Day 2023. On 1 August we will publish in Given Words five words from a word-video project by students in Andalusia, Spain. You then have until National Poetry Day 25 August to send us your poem, which must include the five words. The words can be in any order and verbs can change tense. The Best Poem and Best Poem by Under-16s selected by Charles Olsen, Mikaela Nyman and Sophia Wilson will receive prizes courtesy of The Cuba Press and Massey University Press. There is also a Class plan available for teachers to use with their students.
Entry Details: Free entry. Open to all NZ citizens and residents. Maximum length 200 words. One poem per person. Submit your poem by email including your full name and town of residence to nzgivenwords@gmail.com
Submission Dates: 1 August to midnight on 25 August
Contact Details: Charles Olsen – nzgivenwords@gmail.com
Further Info: nzgivenwords.blogspot.co.nz | Instagram @givenwords
Poetry Aotearoa Yearbook student poetry competition 2023
Entries are now open for the Poetry Aotearoa Yearbook student poetry competition, the award that has sent so many young poets on their way. Entries will be judged by Yearbook editor Tracey Slaughter and the winning poems from each year group will be published in the 2024 edition of the Yearbook. Plus this year there is a monetary prize for the first, second and third prize winners of each year group, thanks to the University of Waikato: $500 (first place), $300 (second place) and $100 (third place). Each winning poet and their school will also receive a copy of the book.
Entry Details: Free to enter. Open to Year 11, Year 12 or Year 13 students at a New Zealand school.
Submission details: Please send us up to three previously unpublished original poems in either Word or PDF format to editorial@masseypress.ac.nz. Poems can be of any length, any style and about any subject. Please name your school and year level.
Submission Dates: Entries are open now and close 24 July 2023. The winners will be announced on Phantom Billstickers National Poetry Day, 25 August 2023.
Contact: Anna Jackson-Scott, editorial@masseypress.ac.nz
Further Info: https://www.masseypress.ac.nz/news/2023/may/entries-are-open-to-the-poetry-aotearoa-yearbook-student-poetry-competition-2023/
Drop by Drop: Poetry for Children Competition
A new nationwide competition for adults who write poetry for children has been launched in the lead-up to National Poetry Day. The prize is $50 (plus poster)
AND Phantom Billstickers posters of the winning poem displayed in two main centres.
The judge is renowned children’s writer and poet, Bill Nagelkerke.
Entry is free and open to anyone in New Zealand 18 years and over.
Up to three poems (aimed at 5-12 year olds) can be submitted on the theme of ‘water’ – to be interpreted as widely or wildly as entrants like.
Entry Details: Deadline midnight 4 August; Winners announced 25 August.
Contact: email thepoetsxyz@gmail.com
Further Info: visit the Poets XYZ
UoA Poetry Club “The Way We Live” 2023 Poetry Competition with Phantom Billstickers
The University of Auckland Poetry Club’s annual written poetry competition is opening this year with a theme that is so often caught up in the fundamental spirit of poetry; ‘The Way We Live’. This theme is to be interpreted in any way you like. Read more about the rules and enter your submission by visiting this link: https://forms.gle/AjUvNj7QVZX4RbRy5 .
Entry Details: Free to enter. Open to anyone residing in New Zealand. Date/Times: Accepting entries from 1 August - midnight 26th August 2023
Contact: UoA Poetry Club, uoapoetryclub@gmail.com
Poetry and Psychoanalysis ON: ‘Face the Truth”
“Risk! Risk anything! Care no more for the opinions of others, for those voices. Do the hardest thing on earth for you. Act for yourself. Face the truth.” by Katherine Mansfield (1888-1923).
2023 celebrates one hundred years of Katherine Mansfield's creative legacy.
The New Zealand Institute of Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy (NZIPP) participates with a Poetry Competition and an Event in occasion of the National Poetry Day. The theme will be based on Katherine Mansfield's quote: ‘Face the Truth’.
Poetry and Psychoanalysis are confronted with: ‘Facing the Truth’.
Both appear to be driven by a sort of unknown matrix towards getting to know the ‘truth’ about oneself. What is this truth about? What does it mean facing the truth? Why are we interested in it? Can we really face the truth? As there is always another truth, an unknown or invisible part of it!
Entry Details: Free to enter. Open to all, with no restrictions. No cost involved.
Submission details: please send up to 3 poems and your contact details to: NZIPPandPoetry@gmail.com
Venue: Jubilee Building, 545 Parnell Rd, Parnell, Auckland and available remotely via Zoom; a link will be sent upon registration.
Submission Dates: by 20 August 2023
Contact for further information: gloriana.bartoli@gmail.com
Further Info: NZIPP Webpage http://www.psychotherapy.co.nz/Facebook https://www.facebook.com/New-Zealand-Institute-of-Psychoanalytic- Psychotherapy-704667686334359LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/nzipp-nz-institute-psychoanalytic-psychotherapy- 4b0b18231/
SONNET COMPETITION: SHAKESPEAREAN OR MODERN
This challenge for young writers [13-18 years old] is sponsored by Red Hen Books. No entry fee! Please ask for rules and a guide to writing sonnets: text 028 406 32 40 or send email to info.redhenbooks@gmail.com. You can write in the style of Shakespeare, or stay with the language of today. Prizes are generous and winners will be announced on Friday 25th August. Prizes awarded by Jan Tinetti, MP. Winners will be invited to attend this prize-giving, hosted by He Puna Mana/Tauranga City Library. Bring family and friends and read your winning poems to the audience. Get writing today!
Entry Details: Now open to young writers [13-18 years of age] resident in the Bay of Plenty region. Enter poems by email as a Word document, A4 page, black on white, no fancy fonts or decoration. You can send up to three poems. Make sure you’ve added your name and contact email and send to info.redhenbooks@gmail.com. To be judged by members of Loose Canons, Tauranga..
Submission Dates: Closing at midnight on Friday 18th August 2023.
Contact: Competition Secretary is Jenny Argante, Argante Literary Services: jenny.argante.als@gmail.com
Further Info: Please ask for rules and a guide to writing sonnets: text 028 406 32 40 or send email to info.redhenbooks@gmail.com.
GUYTON GROUP ACROSTIC COMPETITION
Write an Acrostic poem, using GUYTONSTREET as the vertical anchor.
The judge – yet to be finalised – will be looking for characteristics of Guyton Street, Whanganui.
There will be two categories, winners of both receiving $75.
First category is 12 years and under. Second is for those 13 years and over.
Winning poems could be included in the Guyton Street poetry trail.
Email entries to hello@paigesbooks.com
Alternatively bring entries to Paige’s Book Gallery, 60 Guyton Street, Whanganui, or Lockett Gallery, 65a Guyton street, Whanganui. Free entry.
Submission Dates: Competition is open NOW and closes 16 August 2023.
Contact: Enquiries, contact Guyton Group Trust, 06 348 9095, or 021 2927 417
Further Info: Love Guyton Street https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=love%20guyton%20street
NORTHLAND/KAIPARA
Kohukohu Library Poetry Prize
How thrilling! The Kohukohu Library Poetry Prize rides again thanks to the support of Phantom Bill Stickers. Even more exciting is renown poet Bob Orr will judge this year's poems. So give us your lyrical, enchanting best!
All poems must contain the word ‘light’.
Entry Details: Entry free, up to 3 poems, maximum of 30 lines each.
Typewritten entries only.
Submission Dates: Submit by midnight on the 20th August to kohukohulibrary@gmail.com, or post to 1387 Kohukohu Rd, Kohukohu. Winners announced Phantom Bill Stickers National Poetry Day, 25 August 2023
Contact Details: Submission details at facebook: Kohukohu Library Poetrt Prize 2023
Bugs, Butterflies and other Creepy Crawlies
Kohukohu Library and Ranui on Hokianga are celebrating Phantom Billstickers National Poetry Day with Poetry Competition for tamariki. Scary or beautiful, ugly or cute, insects play a crucial role in our lives. Give us your take on your most loved or hated creepy crawlies.
Entry Details: Winners announced on Phantom Billstickers National Poetry Day.12 years and under. 2 poems per entrant.
5x $50 prizes. Email to kohukohulibrary@gmail.com. Winners announced on Phantom Billstickers National Poetry Day.
Submission Dates: Competition closes midnight 20th August 2023.
Contact: kohukohulibrary@gmail.com.
AUCKLAND
Drop by Drop: Poetry for Children Competition
A new nationwide competition for adults who write poetry for children has been launched in the lead-up to National Poetry Day. The prize is $50 (plus poster)
AND Phantom Billstickers posters of the winning poem displayed in two main centres.
The judge is renowned children’s writer and poet, Bill Nagelkerke.
Entry is free and open to anyone in New Zealand 18 years and over.
Up to three poems (aimed at 5-12 year olds) can be submitted on the theme of ‘water’ – to be interpreted as widely or wildly as entrants like.
Entry Details: Deadline midnight 4 August; Winners announced 25 August.
Contact: email thepoetsxyz@gmail.com
Further Info: visit the Poets XYZ
UoA Poetry Club “The Way We Live” 2023 Poetry Competition with Phantom Billstickers
The University of Auckland Poetry Club’s annual written poetry competition is opening this year with a theme that is so often caught up in the fundamental spirit of poetry; ‘The Way We Live’. This theme is to be interpreted in any way you like. Read more about the rules and enter your submission by visiting this link: https://forms.gle/AjUvNj7QVZX4RbRy5 .
Entry Details: Free to enter. Open to anyone residing in New Zealand. Date/Times: Accepting entries from 1 August - midnight 26th August 2023
Contact: UoA Poetry Club, uoapoetryclub@gmail.com
Poetry and Psychoanalysis ON: ‘Face the Truth”
“Risk! Risk anything! Care no more for the opinions of others, for those voices. Do the hardest thing on earth for you. Act for yourself. Face the truth.” by Katherine Mansfield (1888-1923).
2023 celebrates one hundred years of Katherine Mansfield's creative legacy.
The New Zealand Institute of Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy (NZIPP) participates with a Poetry Competition and an Event in occasion of the National Poetry Day. The theme will be based on Katherine Mansfield's quote: ‘Face the Truth’.
Poetry and Psychoanalysis are confronted with: ‘Facing the Truth’.
Both appear to be driven by a sort of unknown matrix towards getting to know the ‘truth’ about oneself. What is this truth about? What does it mean facing the truth? Why are we interested in it? Can we really face the truth? As there is always another truth, an unknown or invisible part of it!
Entry Details: Free to enter. Open to all, with no restrictions. No cost involved.
Submission details: please send up to 3 poems and your contact details to: NZIPPandPoetry@gmail.com
Venue: Jubilee Building, 545 Parnell Rd, Parnell, Auckland and available remotely via Zoom; a link will be sent upon registration.
Submission Dates: by 20 August 2023
Contact for further information: gloriana.bartoli@gmail.com
Further Info: NZIPP Webpage http://www.psychotherapy.co.nz/Facebook https://www.facebook.com/New-Zealand-Institute-of-Psychoanalytic- Psychotherapy-704667686334359LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/nzipp-nz-institute-psychoanalytic-psychotherapy- 4b0b18231/
Rangitahi Poetry Showcase
New Lynn War Memorial Library invites you to our second Rangatahi Poetry Showcase!
Poets share their words with friends and whānau, and we celebrate the publication and launch of a dedicated book of their collected works, which will also become available in the Auckland Libraries catalogue, published through Auckland Libraries.
The book will be available to purchase via cash donation on the night, with all proceeds going straight to the poets!
Submission Dates: Submissions open until 4th August: https://forms.gle/XYHmZLC87VN5TPt78
Contact Details: New Lynn Library https://www.facebook.com/NewLynnLibrary
Further Info: https://www.facebook.com/events/1335033590559849/1335033620559846/?ref=newsfeed
BAY OF PLENTY
SONNET COMPETITION: SHAKESPEAREAN OR MODERN
This challenge for young writers [13-18 years old] is sponsored by Red Hen Books. No entry fee! Please ask for rules and a guide to writing sonnets: text 028 406 32 40 or send email to info.redhenbooks@gmail.com. You can write in the style of Shakespeare, or stay with the language of today. Prizes are generous and winners will be announced on Friday 25th August. Prizes awarded by Jan Tinetti, MP. Winners will be invited to attend this prize-giving, hosted by He Puna Mana/Tauranga City Library. Bring family and friends and read your winning poems to the audience. Get writing today!
Entry Details: Now open to young writers [13-18 years of age] resident in the Bay of Plenty region. Enter poems by email as a Word document, A4 page, black on white, no fancy fonts or decoration. You can send up to three poems. Make sure you’ve added your name and contact email and send to info.redhenbooks@gmail.com. To be judged by members of Loose Canons, Tauranga..
Submission Dates: Closing at midnight on Friday 18th August 2023.
Contact:Competition Secretary is Jenny Argante, Argante Literary Services: jenny.argante.als@gmail.com
Further Info: Please ask for rules and a guide to writing sonnets: text 028 406 32 40 or send email to info.redhenbooks@gmail.com.
WELLINGTON/KAPITI COAST
11th Annual Poetry Competition -- If You're a Poet, We Want to Know It - "Ink/Waitahi"
11th Annual Poetry Competition -- If You're a Poet, We Want to Know It, is here! Kāpiti Coast District Libraries annual poetry competition returns for the eleventh year. Celebrate Phantom Billstickers National Poetry Day by writing a poem on the theme “Ink|Waituhi”. As usual, the theme can be interpreted anyway you like. All entries will be published as a print book and eBook. Winners will be announced on National Poetry Day at the Open Mic Night at Paraparaumu Library on Friday 25 August, 5.30 – 6.30pm.
Entry Details: Free, anyone in Kāpiti community is welcome to submit online though the library website
Date/Times: Entries open 1-30 June 2023
Location: https://www.kapiticoast.govt.nz/libraries/news-and-events/poetry-competition/
Contact: Nisa Promchot, nisa.promchot@kapiticoast.govt.nz
Further Info: https://www.kapiticoast.govt.nz/libraries/news-and-events/poetry-competition/
Children's Poetry Competition
The 4th annual poetry competition for Children in the Wairarapa. Write a poem, (any type of poem) called "At night in the bookshop..." Put your name, age, school and contact phone number on the back and send it/bring it to Chicken and Frog Bookstore by Sunday, 20 August. Winners will be announced on Friday, 25 August, and all poems will be displayed in store for several weeks. Prizes!!
Entry Details: Deadline 20 August; Winners announced 25 August.
Contact: Chicken and Frog Bookstore
Further Info: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057498487635
COMPETITION – POETS ON THE WRITERS WALK
Wellington Writers Walk and Wellington Branch of New Zealand Society of Authors invite you to enter our competition, POETS ON THE WRITERS WALK.For Phantom Billstickers National Poetry Day we're celebrating the poets and poems that feature in the iconic Wellington Writers Walk. Write a poem that responds to one of five challenges based on sculptures on the Walk. Competition judged by Janis Freegard. Prizes will be announced and awarded at our salon event in Wellington on Phantom Billstickers National Poetry Day.
Entry details: Free to enter. Open to all NZ residents. Enter one poem per person, up to one page (30 lines). Submit your poem online at http://www.authors.org.nz/wellington
Submission Dates: 14 July – 11 August 2023
Contact: wellington@nzauthors.org.nz
Further info: See terms and conditions, and more information about the challenges, at http://www.authors.org.nz/wellington, and check out Wellington Writers Walk at https://wellingtonwriterswalk.co.nz
WEST COAST
Grey District Library Poetry Competition
Join fellow poetry lovers in a competition to celebrate Phantom Billstickers National Poetry Day, 2023. The writer of the most engaging poem within each age category will win a Paper Plus voucher. Winners will be announced at a Phantom Billstickers National Poetry Day warm-up event hosted by the Grey District Library at 5.30 on Tuesday 22nd August. Prize winning poems will be read aloud at two local rest homes on Phantom Billsticker National Poetry Day, 25th August.
Entry details: Free. Open to Grey District residents only. Age categories are up to 8 years old; 9 to 13; 14 to 17; and 18 years and over. Poems can be on any topic. One poem per person. Submit your poem, age range, address and contact details by email to poetrycompetition@greydc.govt.nz no later than 4pm Friday 18th August, 2023.
Submission dates: Monday 31st July to 4pm Friday 18th August, 2023.
Contact details: Rachael Flannagan rachael.flannagan@greydc.govt.nz or 03 768 5597
Further info: Grey District Library on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/GreyDistrictLibrary
CANTERBURY
Timaru Secondary Schools’ POETRY SLAM
Timaru’s top teenage talent battle it out for the title of Timaru School’s Phantom Billstickers National Poetry Day POETRY SLAM champion 2022. $100 in prizes for the triumphant.
Hosted by Timaru Boys’ High School
When: Friday 25th August
Contact: paulda@timaruboys.school.nz
OTAGO
POETRY ON THE EDGE: NATIONAL POETRY DAY OTAGO-SOUTHLAND COMPETITION
Dunedin Public Libraries in partnership with the Otago-Southland branch of the NZ Society of Authors invite you to celebrate National Poetry Day with your words and ideas! The competition is open to residents of Otago-Southland with categories for primary school-aged children, high school-aged young adults and adults.
We invite all poetry-inspired people to submit to our competition. The theme is broad – a literal or metaphorical world; something tangible, or something out of reach. We’re excited to see what you explore at the edge!
Judges: Robert Sullivan (adult) and Susan Wardell (youth). No submission fee; 1 poem pp; 30 lines max.
Submission Dates: Now through 31 July 2023
Contact:library@dcc.govt.nz
Further Info: See submission guidelines online at https://www.dunedinlibraries.govt.nz/news-and-events/competitions/national-poetry-day-competition-poetry-on-the-edge
Bell Hill Apartments Dunedin 2023 Poetry Competition
This year’s theme is about one of our apartments: “THE LEGACY OF HENRY MATTHEWS”. $200 prize, sponsored by www.bellhillapartments.co.nz& www.newheritage.co
Entry Details: Free entry.Poem to be 150 words maximum ,A4 page, double line spacing. Open to people residing in New Zealand. Submit one original entry only. Entries will be blind judged by writer, poet, artist Colette O’Kane. Judge’s decision is final, no further correspondence entered into.
Include: Title, poet name,email address, phone number, word count on same page – NB: these will not be included in poem word count. Winning entry will be added to the Bell Hill Apartments Welcome Book with poet acknowledged. Winning poem to be announced during National Poetry Day.
Submission Dates: Open from 1 July 2023 – closing 5pm, 29 July 2023.
Contact Details: Email entry as PDF to:fliss@newheritage.co
Further Info: Promoted on Twitter @newheritage.co and @LiteratureAlive
NOLA (North Otago Literature Alive) presents: The Ardgowan School Students 2023 Poetry Competition
The theme is “Ardgowan”. 3 prize categories by age: 5,6,7 / 8,9,10 / 11+.
Poem 100 words maximum. Judged by Fliss Butcher of NOLA. Judge’s decision final, no correspondence entered into. Include title, poet name, word count. Winners announced at Ardgowan School, 1 September 2023, 10.30am.
3 x book voucher prizes sponsored by: New Heritage Ltd, 285 Ardgowan Rd, Oamaru. www.newheritage.co
Many thanks to Phantom Billstickers for a grant towards this event http://www.poetryday.co.nz/
Entry Details: Opening 9am 26 July 2023 – closing 3pm 18 August 2023. Submit entries to Ardgowan School office. For Ardgowan students only.