EVENTS:
NZSA Northland Branch meeting
Tuesday 5 August 2025 at 7.30 pm, via Zoom.
Secretary, Trish Fenton, will send the Zoom link with the agenda.
POETS@ONEONESIX
Let’s celebrate Phantom Billstickers National Poetry Day!!
OPPORTUNITIES:
NZSA NORTHLAND SHORT STORY AWARDS
https://northlandauthors.co.nz/competition-details-and…/
Our short story competitions are now open for entries
Adult section – $1000 FIRST PRIZE
OPEN TO ALL WRITERS IN NEW ZEALAND
Entry fee – $10 per story
Young writers from Northland can enter our High School and Year 7&8 sections for free.
All information, closing dates and entry forms available at
https://northlandauthors.co.nz/competition-details-and…/
Thank you to all our local Northland sponsors.
Northland Schools Year 7 & 8 Short Story Competition
First Place $100
Second place $60
Third Place $40
Judges: Fraser Smith and Anne McMichael
Entry forms: Emailed entries only. Download entry forms at: https://northlandauthors.co.nz/
No entry fee and no limit to the number of entries a school/student can make. As our judges are not fluent in Te Reo Māori, all entries will need to be in English.
Word Limit: 50-300.
Theme: Open.
Submissions: Writer’s name, story title, and word count must go on the entry form along with school/home school, class/teacher details. Plain font, 1.5 spacing, and indented paragraphs.
Original work only; no AI content.
Stories must include a title but must not include the writer’s name as entries will be judged anonymously. Writers should be guided with editing before submitting their story.
Email the completed entry form and story to nzsanorthlandevents@gmail.com as separate docx or rtf files by 31 August 2025.
The winning story will be published in The Northern Advocate along with the author’s photograph. Depending on space the other place-getters may also be published.
All placed stories will be published on the Northland Branch NZSA website.
Sponsored by The Northern Advocate and Jeff Oliver Design, Print & Distribution.
Northland High Schools Short Story Competition
First Place $100
Second place $60
Third Place $40
Judges: Sue Barker and Deborah Jowitt
Entry forms: Emailed entries only. Download entry forms at: https://northlandauthors.co.nz/
No entry fee and no limit to the number of entries a school/student can make. As our judges are not fluent in Te Reo Māori, all entries will need to be in English.
Word Limit: Up to 500 words
Theme: Open.
Submissions: Writer’s name, story title, and word count must go on the entry form along with school/home school, class/teacher details. Plain font, 1.5 spacing, and indented paragraphs.
Original work only; no AI content.
Stories must include a title but must not include the writer’s name as entries will be judged anonymously. Writers should be guided with editing before submitting their story.
Email the completed entry form and story to nzsanorthlandevents@gmail.com as separate docx or rtf files by 31 August 2025.
The winning story will be published in The Northern Advocate along with the author’s photograph. Depending on space the other place-getters may also be published.
All placed stories will be published on the Northland Branch NZSA website.
Sponsored by The Northern Advocate and Calders Design and Print.
CONGRATULATIONS:
Robert Lord Writers Cottage Trust announces residencies for 2025–26
Twelve writers have been awarded residencies for late 2025 and early 2026 at the historic cottage in Ōtepoti Dunedin UNESCO City of Literature.
We’re proud to announce that amongst the twelve is NZSA Northland member, Janine Williams!
Whangarei-based author Janine Williams was the inaugural recipient of the Lynley Dodd Children’s Writers Award in 2024. She will be working on Danger at Kohatu House, the third book in her series of middle-grade fantasy novels The Secret Staircase.
Why I apply for Writers’ Residencies
I was part of a discussion recently about how many aspects of a writer’s life feel like a lottery – winning a competition, getting published… and winning a writer’s residency is much the same.
I make a point of applying for as many residency opportunities as I can, and here’s why:
- Time to Write. I crave quiet, uninterrupted time to write. I’m one of those people who work best in a distraction-free space. Most days, that means getting up early and squeezing in a couple of hours before the rest of life begins. A residency offers the gift of focused time – without the usual demands.
- New Connections. A residency gives you the chance to meet people and make literary connections outside your usual circle.
- Validation. A residency looks great on your CV. It’s proof that your work has been recognised and that others believe in your potential as a writer. It all helps.
A few tips:
- Always check the criteria carefully. Some residencies are for emerging writers; others are for mid-career or established writers. Some are for specific age groups, genres or communities.
- Be prepared for rejection, but keep applying. Each application is a learning opportunity and a step forward.
Most of all: Look for residencies in places that inspire you. The Dunedin residency appealed to me because I spent part of my childhood in Dunedin, and that fact contributed to my success. So go ahead and apply. You never know where that one ‘yes’ may take you.
NORTHLAND WRITERS, READERS, AND POETS FESTIVAL
Friday 29th – Sunday 31st August 2025
Celebrating the vibrant literary talent of New Zealand’s North, our festival is dedicated to bringing the voices of our local writers, poets, librarians and publishers to the forefront. Whether you’re an avid reader, an aspiring writer, or simply someone who loves the power of storytelling, this festival offers something for everyone.
Festival Highlights:
- Panels & Discussions: Engage with inspiring panellists, including renowned writers, poets, passionate librarians and influential publishers. Discover new insights into the creative process, the world of publishing, and the art of writing.
- Workshops for Writers: Join hands-on workshops designed to help writers hone their craft, explore new genres, and unlock their full potential. From beginner to advanced, these workshops are tailored to inspire and empower all levels of writers.
- Short Story Award Presentation: We are proud to celebrate young talent with the presentation of the Short Story Award for Year 13 students across Northland. Witness the creativity of the next generation and support their literary ambitions.
Our mission is simple – to highlight the incredible writers and poets who call Northland home and to foster a deeper connection between our local literary community and readers far and wide. Whether you’re looking to discover new authors, enhance your writing skills, or immerse yourself in a diverse range of literary voices, the Northland Writers, Readers and Poets Festival is the place to be.
We invite you to join us for an inspiring weekend of creativity, learning, and celebration. Together, let’s bring the talent of the North to the world!
Programme online at https://www.northlandwritersreadersandpoetsfestival.com/event-details-registration/programme-northland-writers-readers-and-poets-wrap-festival
Friday 29th & Saturday 30th: Cornerstone Church and Hall – Whare Karakia O Manako, 144 Kerikeri Road, Kerikeri, Northland, New Zealand
Sunday 31st: Kingston House, 123 Hone Heke Road Kerikeri, Northland, New Zealand
SHARING NZSA NORTHLAND BRANCH NEWS AND EVENTS:
Share with us on our Facebook Pages for NZSA Northland
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1618171775233622 (Private members’ group)
https://www.facebook.com/NZSANorthlandBranch (Public)
Submit your news, including events, awards, recent publications and book launches to: northlandauthors[at]gmail.com for inclusion in our monthly newsletter.
Free for financial members. 50 cents per word for non-members.
Check for further updates on: https://northlandauthors.co.nz/
“The world is changed by your example, not by your opinion.”
Paolo Coelho
Northland Branch 