Taiohi writing competition
1 August 2025 – 1 February 2026
Calling all young writers!
Are you a storyteller or someone with big ideas to share?
Auckland Libraries invites all taiohi (young people aged 13-18) across Tāmaki Makaurau to enter the Auckland Council Libraries Taiohi Writing Competition.
Whether your words are fierce, funny, heartfelt or hopeful, we want to hear your voice. This is your chance to be published, celebrated, and read by other teens across the motu country.
What to write about
Your entry can be a short story, personal reflection or essay that expresses who you are, what matters to you, and what you want to share with your peers.
Write something fictional or nonfictional that speaks to other young people living in Tāmaki Makaurau. Make them feel seen, inspired, understood – or challenged. Your voice matters, and other taiohi want to hear it.
Who can enter?
To enter the writing competition, you must be:
- aged 13-18 years on the date that competition entries close (1 February 2026)
- living in Tāmaki Makaurau | Auckland.
The prizes
You could be one of 10 finalists who will receive a $250 gift card and have their work published in an anthology. You’ll receive your very own copy, and anyone can borrow the book from libraries across the region!
The gift card is redeemable for a wide range of top brands and experiences through GiftPay.
How to enter
Write between 500 and 2000 words, excluding the title and any page headers and/or footers. Text must be typed at 1.5 spacing in a legible font (e.g. Times New Roman, Arial, Calibri). The competition is free to enter and is limited to one entry per person.
Your writing will be anonymous to the judges – please do not put your name anywhere on your manuscript, including headers and footers, title page or the file name. Your name will only go on the submission form. You can include a pen name if you prefer your work to be anonymous if published.
Complete the form to submit your piece any time from 1 August 2025 and 11:59pm on 1 February 2026. Make sure to read the full terms and conditions before submitting.
Meet your competition judge
Tessa Duder
Tessa Duder CNZM is one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most acclaimed authors for young people. Her award-winning novels, including the classic Alex Quartet, Night Race to Kawau, and most recently The Sparrow, have inspired generations of readers.
A former journalist, editor and competitive swimmer, Tessa has published fiction, non-fiction and anthologies across a career spanning more than 40 years.
She has served as a mentor and advocate for emerging writers and is a passionate supporter of youth creativity and storytelling in Aotearoa, largely through the Storylines Children’s Literature Trust Te Whare Waituki Tamariki o Aotearoa.
If you have any questions that aren't answered on this page or in the terms and conditions, please contact us.