Short Story Competition 2026: let your imagination soar
Published on 25 March 2026
Tumble into Wonderland, step through the cupboard into your own Narnia, take the yellow brick road. It's time to spread your creative wings and let your imagination soar high!
Our annual Short Story Competition for kids, teens, and adults is back – and you're invited to share your creative writing with us.
Entries are open until 5.00pm on Sunday, 10 May 2026.
Our dedicated competition page has everything you need
- all competition details, including terms and conditions
- our online entry form, plus a form to download and print if you prefer to submit your entry in person at one of our branches
- a detailed FAQ section about prizes, judging criteria, and more
- writing resources and activities for families and teachers to share with tamariki (kids) and ākonga (learners)
No writer is an island: share and hone your writing skills with others
Writer's block happens to the best wordsmiths around and, sometimes, we get that special spark of creativity right after a great conversation with others who love storytelling and creative writing.
Join us at the following special events and regular writing groups:
It's Write Easy
every Friday | 1.30-3.00pm
U-PLAY: Writer's Table (for ages 11 and over)
Thursday, 9 April 2026 | 2.00-3.30pm
Book Launch: [Foxtrot Foxtrot Sierra] by Cat Connor
Friday, 17 April 2026 | 6.00-8.00pm
Upper Hutt Writes
Saturday, 18 April 2026 | 11.00am-12.30pm
Play with plot, let the words flow, and write your heart out. We can't wait to read and be inspired by your stories!