Poetry Competition 2025
Calling all wordsmiths, poets, and poets-to-be!
It’s time to dream and draft, chisel and polish.
Wherever inspiration finds you, let the words take you places – to bold rhymes, striking metaphors, and that perfect little moment, captured in the stanzas, lines, and imagery of a thoughtful poem.
Our annual Poetry Competition is now open for entries.
Marking 25 years of hosting the Upper Hutt Libraries Poetry Competition
It’s incredible that we have reached this special milestone. Looking back at two and a half decades of themes, we have listened to, read, and shared poems of friendship, freedom, home, and much more – every year showing the power of poetry in bringing people together as a community.
Fittingly, this year’s competition theme is “Celebrate”. So, close your eyes, search your heart. What, who, how do you celebrate?
Poetry is for everyone – why you should take part
Haiku, classic sonnet, limerick, or graceful ode. Whatever form your entry will take, our Poetry Competition is for all ages, and all levels of writing experience.
Know someone who loves to write, rhyme, recite, slam – a family member, student, friend? Help us cheer our community on and share this opportunity with others.
Here’s why we encourage you to take part:
- Improve writing skills: Writing competitions are great for exploring style, voice, and the creative process. Take the opportunity to step out of your comfort zone and try something new – this is how you hone your craft and open the door to fresh ideas.
- Connect with other poets and writers: Our competition brings together a diverse community of locals who share a passion for words and storytelling. Participate and come along to the Poetry Awards on Friday, 29 August 2025, whether you’re shortlisted or not – and find like-minded people to spark inspiration, peer support, and creative dialogue.
- Win prizes and boost your confidence: Receiving a reward can be a big incentive for participating. Even if you don't win, being shortlisted or receiving an honourable mention gives your confidence and motivation a big boost.
How to enter
Please make sure you have read the competition terms and conditions.
Submit your entry here
OR
- Download and print out our official entry form(PDF, 131KB) or pick one up from Central or Pinehaven Library.
- Submit your printed poem with the completed entry form through our drop-off box at Central or Pinehaven Library.
Terms and conditions
- Entries must be received by 4.00PM on 3 August 2025.
- In the event of being shortlisted, entrants must be available to attend the Poetry Awards event at Central Library on 29 August 2025.
- Entries must have the theme "Celebrate".
- Entries must fit on an A4 page.
- Prizes will be awarded in all three age groups.
- Entries must be original work.
- Entries must not have been submitted to any previous competition or promotion.
- Entries must be submitted with an official entry form at Central or Pinehaven Library or online through the Upper Hutt Libraries website.
- Entries must be typed. We do not accept handwritten entries.
- Online entries must be submitted in PDF or Word format.
- We welcome entries in all languages, however please also include an English translation.
- All shortlisted and winning poems will be published by Upper Hutt Libraries in a booklet made available to the public.
- Entrants must confirm that they have read and understood the competition's terms and conditions.
FAQs (frequently asked questions)
Click on each tile to read more.
What are the prizes for the winners?
Besides our printed anthology booklets, winning participants will receive a "writer's prize pack", which often includes a selection of book vouchers, stationery, and other items to spark creativity.
There are no cash prizes.
Can I submit more than one entry?
Yes, you can. There is no limit on entries per person.
Please note: each entry must be submitted with a separate entry form.
Who is judging the competition entries?
Staff from the Upper Hutt Libraries team alongside local author Cat Connor will form the judging panel.
They bring a variety of perspectives, diverse reading backgrounds, and special enthusiasm for poetry to this task.
Will I get written feedback on my poem?
No, unfortunately not. We simply receive too many entries to be able to give thoughtful and detailed feedback on each submitted story.
If you are interested in honing your writing skills and bouncing ideas with others who love writing, we recommend joining our regular writing group at Upper Hutt Writes which meets once a month at Central Library.
Or, if you love reading poems out load and sharing your favourite works with others, come along to our monthly Poetry Discussion Group.
Do you accept entries in languages other than English?
Yes, we do! We love the diversity of languages and cultures in Upper Hutt.
Please note: for entries in languages other than English, we ask that you provide an English translation with your entry.
When will I find out if my poem has been shortlisted?
We will get in touch with you between 11-15 August 2025.
On your entry form, please make sure you provide us with the best contact details to reach you.
I don't live in Upper Hutt or in the Wellington region. Can I take part?
As part of the competition's terms and conditions, participants must be available to attend the Poetry Awards event at our Central Library on Friday, 29 August 2025.
Our Poetry Competition is for the Upper Hutt and wider Wellington community.
If you live further away and find that this has inspired you to give poetry a go or pick up an old writing project – reach out to your local library to find out if they offer something similar.