​1 August 2025 – 1 February 2026

Calling all young writers!

Are you a storyteller or someone with big ideas to share? 

Auckland Libraries invites all taiohi (young people aged 13-18) across Tāmaki Makaurau to enter the Auckland Council Libraries Taiohi Writing Competition.

Whether your words are fierce, funny, heartfelt or hopeful, we want to hear your voice. This is your chance to be published, celebrated, and read by other teens across the motu.

What to write about

Your entry can be a short story, personal reflection or essay that expresses who you are, what matters to you, and what you want to share with your peers.

Write something fictional or nonfictional that speaks to other young people living in Tāmaki Makaurau. Make them feel seen, inspired, understood – or challenged. Your voice matters, and other taiohi want to hear it.

Who can enter?

To enter the writing competition, you must be:

• aged 13-18 years on the date that competition entries close (1 February 2026)
• living in Tāmaki Makaurau | Auckland.

The prizes

You could be one of 10 finalists who will receive a $250 gift card and have their work published in an anthology. You’ll receive your very own copy, and anyone can borrow the book from libraries across the region!

The gift card is redeemable for a wide range of top brands and experiences through GiftPay.

How to enter

Write between 500 and 2000 words, excluding the title and any page headers and/or footers. Text must be typed at 1.5 spacing in a legible font (e.g. Times New Roman, Arial, Calibri). The competition is free to enter and is limited to one entry per person.

Your writing will be anonymous to the judges – please do not put your name anywhere on your manuscript, including headers and footers, title page or the file name. Your name will only go on the submission form. You can include a pen name if you prefer your work to be anonymous if published.

Complete the form to submit your piece any time from 1 August 2025 and 11:59pm on 1 February 2026. Make sure to read the full terms and conditions before submitting.