Unleash Your Creativity: Poetry Competition 2023 Opens for Submission

Published on 16 July 2023

Calling all poets and wordsmiths!

We are thrilled to announce the opening of our highly anticipated annual Poetry Competition.  This year, we invite poets to share their thoughts and emotions on the theme of FRIENDSHIP, and compete for prizes and the chance to have their work showcased to a wide audience.

Our annual Poetry Competition has become a hallmark event in our Upper Hutt literary community, attracting talented poets and enthusiasts year after year. With each edition, the competition has grown in both participation and prestige, making it a must-attend event for poets.

Poets of all ages and backgrounds are invited to submit their original and unpublished poems, exploring the theme of FRIENDSHIP in forms that ignite their imagination. The competition is open to ages 5 and above. Winners in each age group will receive prizes and be recognised at the Poetry Competition Awards Night to be held at Central Library on 22 September 2023.

"The annual Poetry Competition is not just a contest; it is a celebration of the diverse voices that breathe life into the art of poetry," said Denise Clarkson, Libraries Manager at Upper Hutt Libraries. "We encourage poets to seize this opportunity to share their passion, connect with fellow wordsmiths, and leave their poetic footprints on the Upper Hutt literary landscape."

Submissions for the Annual Poetry Competition will be accepted starting from Monday, 17 July . The deadline for entries is on Friday, 25 August by 4PM.

To learn more about the competition, guidelines, and how to participate, visit our website or contact the library at library@uhcc.govt.nz