Poetry Competition 2026
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.
Wild, wonderful words
Are you ready to go on an adventure? This year's competition theme is "Wilderness".
A breathtaking hike through a rugged landscape, wisps of cloud and mist as your companions. A haunting call in the far distance, perhaps from a kōkako taking shelter in the canopy. Bare mountain cliffs, bright turquoise crater lakes, ancient tree giants whispering stories of old...
Or maybe your poetry will wander the wild path of life? Boundless joy, fierce loyalty, unwavering courage, and much more are waiting to be explored, line by line.
Step into the wilderness with us!
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, 28 August 2026, 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 scroll down to read our competition terms and conditions first.
Submit your entry
OR
- Pick up a printed entry form at Central or Pinehaven Library (available from Thursday 9 July).
- 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 Sunday, 2 August 2026.
- Entries must have the theme "Wilderness".
- Number of entries is limited to two per person.
- Entries must fit on one A4 page (single-sided).
- You may include one illustration per entry.
- Entrants must live in Upper Hutt or in the Wellington region.
- We accept original work only. Entries written with the help of AI (except spellcheck) will not be accepted.
- Entries must be typed. We do not accept handwritten entries.
- Online entries must be submitted in Word format.
- Entries must be submitted either through our online form, or with the official paper entry form available at Central and Pinehaven Library.
- Entries must not have been submitted to any previous competition or promotion.
- Prizes will be awarded in all four categories.
- We welcome entries in all languages; 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. Our limit for entries is two 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 poem.
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, please 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 17-21 August 2026. Due to the volume of entries we receive every year, we can only contact shortlisted entrants.
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?
No, unfortunately you can't.
Our Poetry Competition is for Upper Hutt and the wider Wellington community. If you live further away and find that this has inspired you to pick up a pen or start typing on your screen – reach out to your local library to find out if they offer something similar.