Writing competition for rangatahi 2026

Open to secondary students in Years 9-13 who live in Otago or Southland, with a prize of $200 for the winning entry. Write a story using one of the following prompts. 1. The year is 1865 or 2065. (You choose which.) There's a knock at the door. 2. Write a story where the main character is trapped, either within their own mind, or literally. 3. Choose an everyday household item and include it in some way in a story set in one of the following genres: comedy, horror, or fantasy (e.g. a vacuum cleaner horror!) Entries are due on Friday 23 October by 5.00pm. For entry conditions, visit qtwritersfestival.nz/competitions or scan the QR code below. Judged by award- winning author Sonya Wilson.