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Competition Calendar

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Across the motu, competitions bloomed — from nationwide contests to local treasures — inviting poets of all ages and stages to put pen to paper. Some drew hundreds of entries, others unearthed hidden gems in schools, libraries, and community halls, but together they showcased the remarkable breadth of talent in Aotearoa.

Watch this space: The first 2026 competitions will begin appearing once registrations are complete and entries are open.

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DUNEDIN YOUTH POETRY COMPETITION

Dunedin Youth Poetry Competition Poster.jpg Dunedin Youth Poetry Competition would like to invite young poets across the city to submit to one of 4 age groups Yr 5-6; Yr 7-8; Yr 9-10; Yr 11-13. Samantha Montgomerie will judge the competition, along with a couple of local children's writers in Otago. Entries will be emailed and judged 2 weeks before National Poetry Day.

All participants and place-getters will be invited to attend a prize-giving held just before the NZSA adult event on National Poetry Day in a special prize-giving an hour before that event starts. Families and children may then wish to stay on for the next event.

Entry details: Free.

Submission dates: Call out for poem from June 23rd - July 25th. Judging to take place July 25th - August 4th. Place-getters notified: August 5th - 8th.

Contact details: sam.montgomerie@gmail.com