OUR 2027 SHORT STORY COMPETITION
IS OPENING SOON!
The Next Chapter is Coming!
Good things take time, and you may have noticed that our Short Story Competition is a little later than usual.
Bear with us, we’re just putting the finishing touches in place and can’t wait to share all the details with you soon.
In the meantime, we hope you enjoy reading these 2026 winning stories.
THE 2026 WINNERS
The winners were awarded in Cambridge at the Festival Opening on Thurs, 19 March 2026.
The field of entries came from all around the country – from Whangarei to Invercargill.
Our 1st Prize winner was Terry Carson from Pukekohe, 2nd Prize winner was Ciaran Warner, and 3rd Prize winner was Bronwyn Elsmore.
If you would like to read the winning stories, click on the story links below:
| 1st Prize $1000 | Terry Carson | Father and Son |
| 2nd Prize $500 | Ciaran Warner | If You Keep Still |
| 3rd Prize $250 | Bronwyn Elsmore | Hīkoi |
Judges’ Comments
The judges commented the standard of the competition was high and it was hard to separate the final place getters, although the winner stood out.
The judges’ comments about the winning story: ‘Father and Son’
The structure was clever and the contrasting voices were authentically portrayed. It was a clever device of family secrets unfolding alongside public plaudits and platitudes at a funeral.
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Judges for the competition include:
Hamish Wright – Bookseller, former Chairman of Booksellers New Zealand
Venetia Sherson – Former Waikato Times Editor, journalist and author
Denise Irvine – Author and journalist
Jill Carter – Former teacher and passionate educationalist
Susan Gresson – Former teacher
