The New Zealand writing competitions are listed by deadline. Scroll to the bottom for more paying markets. This site is updated often so please subscribe to keep up to date with opportunities.
From the number of people looking at this site for writing contests, I can see there are lots of other kiwis looking for creative opportunities. I’d love to connect with other kiwis who write or read.
Check out the New Zealand writer interviews too. Each month, I spotlight a Kiwi writer who is doing amazing things, from Elizabeth Knox to Gareth Ward. Contact me if you’d like to be interviewed or collaborate.
Without further ado. On to the competitions and paying markets:
North & South Short Short Story Competition
Words: 300
Fee: Free
Prize: $400
Deadline: 11 March 2019
Takahe Short Story Competition
Words: 2500
Deadline: 31 March 2019
Page & Blackmore Short Story Competition
Word limit: 1500 words
Fee: $20 per story
Prize: $500
Deadline: 1 April 2019
National Flash Fiction Day NZ
Word limit: 300
Fee: $10
Prize: $1000 1st, $400 2nd, $100 3rd
Deadline: 15 April 2019
Sargeson Prize
Open to NZ writers, published or unpublished. There is also a division for secondary school students.
Word limit: 5000
Fee: No fee
Prize: $5000
Deadline: 30 June 2019
Elyne Mitchell Writing Award
Up to 2500 words about an Australasian rural experience on the theme ‘New Beginnings’.
Deadline: 22 August 2019
Cambridge Autumn Festival Short Story Competition
Word limit: 1500 words
Fee: Free
Prize: $1000 for 1st
Deadline: 31 January 2020
Some other posts about writing:
My review of Bird by Bird – an amazing book for writers
Harness the power of Pinterest to drive traffic to your writer’s blog
33 (Mostly free) Writing Resources
Manuscript Competition:
31 March 2019
NZ Book Festival Manuscript Competition
First prize is a $3,500 self-publishing package for a completed manuscript. Open to NZ resident authors who have not previously been published. Cost $40.
Flash Fiction Markets:
Very short fiction publishing bi-monthly on the website. Does not pay but very supportive of new writers.
Sci fi magazine. Does not pay but gives helpful feedback.
Flash fiction published online 200 – 500 words. Submit April – June
You might like these:
- NEW list of short story competitions open to international submissions (October 2019 through 2020!)
- What writers need to do to keep an engaged audience
- Master list of writing resources for all steps in the process
New Zealand Writing Sites
- New Zealand Society of Authors – authors.org.nz
- Christchurch Writers – chchnzwriters.org
- Historical Novelists Society of NZ and Australia – hnsa.org
- South Island Writers Association – southislandwriters.co.nz
- Book Council – bookcouncil.org.nz
Paying Publications:
Geometry Journal – Literary fiction up to 8000 words
Takahe – Fiction 1500 – 3000 words
Readers Digest – stories, anecdotes and jokes
Headland Journal – Literary fiction up to 5000 words
Breach Zine – Sci fi, fantasy and horror 500 – 2000 words
Can you suggest any other competitions? Let’s see them added to the list and help each other out.
Comment below or get in touch.
A New Zealand mum of two writing historical fiction set in 18th century Provence. I’m almost four years in to writing my novel and practicing the craft, with short fiction published in various literary magazines. Freelance writer / proofreader.
Find out more about me here.