Creative Writing NZ

The Elsie Locke Writing Prize 2026 is open for entries. 📖

Young writers aged 5-13 are invited to create an original piece inspired by New Zealand history and Elsie Locke’s legacy of peace, the environment and community. 🌟

Submissions can include stories, poems, essays, speeches or plays in English or te reo Māori.

The deadline is Friday, 3 July 2026

Full details on their website below. 🔗

https://www.toitoi.nz/elsie-locke

The National Flash Fiction Day NZ 2026 competition is open for entries. ✍️

Open to all NZ citizens. Tell your story in 300 words or fewer for the chance to win up to $1000. 📖

Deadline for entry is 30th April 2026.

Full details on their website:

Competition | National Flash Fiction Day | New Zealand National Flash Fiction Day 2025! This year's competition runs 15 February to 30 April. Send your stories up to 300 words and see what you can do in a small space!

The Wild Muse Nature Writing Prize is open for entries on 1st June 2026. 🌸

This year's theme is Nature’s Wisdom and Healing. Open to all, anywhere in the world; no age restrictions.

Top prize of £750. Deadline for entry is 14th September 2026.

https://gabrielablandy.org/nature-writing-prize

The Stella Kupferberg Memorial Short Story Prize is open for entries. ✍️

Enter today for the chance to win $1000 and a free 10-week course with Gotham Writers. 🏆

Deadline for entry is 6th March. Full details on their website.

https://www.symphonyspace.org/selected-shorts/the-stella-kupferberg-memorial-short-story-prize