01/07/2026
Calling all young writers aged 12+
✨ Calling Creative Teens! ✨
Looking for a fun, creative activity that will spark your teen’s imagination?
Join Denika Mead for an exciting creative writing workshop, for 12-24-year-olds, where teens can explore characters, world-building, and writing techniques in a relaxed, supportive environment. No experience needed—just curiosity and a willingness to have fun!
⏰Wednesday 8th July, 3pm
📍Eastbourne Library (upstairs)
As well as working in libraries, Denika has written and published nearly ten fantasy and sci-fi novels. She is excited to share her knowledge and passion for writing with other young people.
🖊️ Discover new ways to express ideas
📚 Build confidence through creativity
🤝 Connect with other young writers
🍪 Enjoy snacks to fuel creativity
Whether your teen already loves writing or is simply looking to try something new, this event offers a welcoming space to let their imagination run wild.
Spaces are limited—book your spot today!
https://huttcity.events.mylibrary.digital/event?id=235451
20/06/2026
A fantastic school holiday opportunity for young writers! https://www.writelikeanauthor.com/
11/06/2026
📚 EVERY READER HAS A STORY ... What’s yours? 📚
To help celebrate Read NZ Te Pou Muramura 's first-ever Aotearoa New Zealand Children's Book Week, Kiwi Christmas Books is launching a nationwide creative writing competition for young readers.
We're inviting children and teenagers across Aotearoa to tell us a true story about a book that made a difference in their lives.
✨ Win $250 worth of brand-new books for yourself and $500 worth of books for your school.
✨ Have your story published in The Sapling
✨ Learn from some of New Zealand's leading writers
Participants can choose from three themes:
📖 A Book that came along just at the right time
📖 A book that changed the way I saw the world
📖 A book that took me on an adventure
We're also offering a FREE online masterclass with award-winning author and University of Auckland creative writing lecturer Dr Paula Morris on 21 July to help budding writers hone their skills.
The competition will be judged by editor, book reviewer and award-winning author Claire Mabey.
🏆 Four age categories
🏆 $250 worth of books for each winner
🏆 $500 worth of books for each winner's school
Entries close Sunday 2 August 2026.
For more info see: www.kiwichristmasbooks.org.nz
06/06/2026
Submissions for ToiToi close on the 3rd July. Get writing now!
It's just under a month to go until submissions are due for Toitoi 35!
Send your writing and art to [email protected] by midnight on July 3 and take the leap! We can't wait to hear from you.
