The Auckland Branch of the New Zealand Society of Authors Te Puni Kaituhi o Aotearoa is delighted to bring you our annual short story competition, judged by esteemed writer Graeme Lay.
Conditions of Entry
- This competition is open to any writer in or from Aotearoa.
- All entries must be original and not previously published or broadcast.
- The top three stories will be awarded the following prizes: $500 first prize, $250 second prize, $100 third prize. Additionally, there will be seven stories announced as shortlisted.
- Entries should contain no more than 1,500 words to be considered. Refunds will not be awarded to entries that do not follow this condition.
- Entries should be typed on A4 sheets, double-spaced, with clear margins and in a readable font and saved as a PDF or docx file.
- An entry fee is required to confirm entry. Once you have submitted your story via this form*, please make payment to:
NZSA (PEN NZ INC) AUCKLAND BRANCH | 12 3048 0123097 00
Give your name and ‘GLSS competition’ as reference.
You will be emailed a copy of this form (with these payment details) after you click submit. - The entry fee for NZSA members is $20; for non-members, the fee is $30.
- You may enter as many times as they wish—a separate entry form and fee needs to be completed for each story.
- The author’s name MUST NOT appear on the story as our judges read entries blind.
- Stories must have a title, which should match EXACTLY the title given on the entry form.
- Entries are now open and close 11:59pm, Sunday 12 October 2025.
