Source: Tāwhia Copyright Aotearoa and the New Zealand Society of Authors Te Puni Kaituhi o Aotearoa
18 September, 2026
Tāwhia Copyright Aotearoa (TCA) and the New Zealand Society of Authors Te Puni Kaituhi o Aotearoa (NZSA) are proud to announce five young writers who have received the inaugural TCA | NZSA Secondary School Leavers Scholarship.
The selection panel of award-winning authors Michelle Elvy and Shelley Burne-Field said they were astonished at the variety in form and content of the entries submitted on behalf of students by their schools.
“From speculative fiction to creative nonfiction, from historical scenarios to present-day commentaries on common pressures, ethics and morality. There was beautiful poetic writing and sharp dialogue. Often there were mysteries embedded in the story; always, there was something important about humanity and connection. In each one, there was plenty of imagination, too,” they said.
Designed to nurture the next generation of New Zealand writers, the scholarship offers five grants of $2,000 each, split between the successful student and their school.
Congratulations to the Recipients
(in alphabetical order by last name of the student).
Elisa Cordner from Heretaunga College
The judges said Cordner’s story It could not have weighed much was an example of poetic writing with rhythmic sentences.
“This is a writer who understands pacing and flow very well…this story is aimed straight at the heart and head: it hits its mark. The narrative, told with gentle language, lingers long after reading,” they said.
Cordner said winning the scholarship was a huge personal achievement.
“I’m so thankful for [Tāwhia Copyright Aotearoa] for providing this opportunity. It excites me beyond words to have taken this first step into the literature world!” Cordner said.
Ankit Kafle from Shirley Boys’ High School
The judges said Kafle’s story Fitting the Mold was about coming to terms with one’s true self, and the idiosyncrasies that make us human, real, and authentic.
“The writer negotiates uncomfortable spaces, both physical and metaphorical. There is tension and anxiety in this story, also inner examination and resolution. A quiet strength emerges as we read towards the end,” they said.
His teacher, Chris Humphreys said the school’s English teachers valued originality and creativity.
“Ankit, our recipient of the prize, is of Nepalese heritage. He enjoys connecting with people through friendships. The aspect of writing he enjoys the most is the freedom it offers. Of his winning story, he says, ‘It is important to stand out rather than fit the mold’,” said Humphreys.
Bleys Roberston from Mairehau High School
Roberston’s story Black Marigolds captivated the judges with its references of Othello, a Sanskrit love poem and perhaps a wartime love lost.
“The writer shows care for detail, and paints the scene delicately – faces unknowable, unfamiliar, a new setting, a new world, and a will to see what comes…In this way the story evokes loneliness and aroha, but also a sense of hope that humanity – and even the new kid at school – will prevail,” they said.
The English Learning Team at Mairehau High School said Robertson was a passionate reader and writer since he joined the school in Year 9 and they were so excited to see him receive this scholarship.
Robertson himself said he had been fascinated by writing and storytelling since a young age and had already completed eight manuscripts.
“To receive this scholarship feels like a true recognition of my work and will help me immensely in my further studies; for that I am very grateful,” he said.
Ruby Waetford from Epsom Girls Grammar School
The judges found Gold Dust Angel by Waetford full of beautiful, evocative language that floated and carried the story.
“The sense of control and careful repetition works very well here…With any good story like this, there is human connection and inspiration – and there is also revelation,” they said.
Waetford (Ngāti Maniapoto, Ngāpuhi, Ngati Hine -Te Tai Tokerau), who was hoping to study a Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws conjoint at the University of Auckland, said she was excited and grateful to receive the scholarship.
“As I begin to pursue the next stages of my education, this scholarship will directly support me in achieving my future academic goals. I’ve always had a passion for writing, particularly creative writing, so to have the opportunity to enter my work for this scholarship has been amazing. Having the freedom to write any piece of creative work and have it read by professional judges is already incredible, but to further receive an award in recognition of the work makes it very meaningful. Being able to put my passion towards something significant is something I am grateful to have had the chance to do,” Waetford said.
Christina Wright from Avondale College
The judges said If Tattered Threads Compose Me, Do Wires Uphold Your Spine? by Wright was a wonderful piece of speculative fiction, full of visceral description.
“Beginning with the title as a question, this work takes us into a world both familiar and unfamiliar. We become more curious as we keep reading, and although the tone is casual and even light, it deals with serious topics,” they said.
Wright’s English teacher, Mrs Aleishia Davis, said Wright was an exceptionally thoughtful and gifted writer.
“She approaches storytelling with a maturity and insight beyond her years, creating work that’s as imaginative as it is moving. If Tattered Threads Compose Me, Do Wires Uphold Your Spine? is a compelling and highly original story, and this scholarship is a well-deserved recognition of her talent and hard work,” said Davis.
Tāwhia Copyright Aotearoa plays a key role in making creative rights valuable assets for all New Zealanders, be they rightsholders like authors, publishers and artists, or users such as educators, students and businesses. TCA provides licences to help make copying, scanning and sharing printed works easy and legal.
New Zealand Society of Authors Te Puni Kaituhi O Aotearoa (PEN NZ Inc) was established in 1934 and is the principal organisation representing writers’ interests in NZ. A national office oversees 8 branches and hubs, administers prizes and awards, runs professional development programmes, advocates for the sector and to raise the visibility of NZ writers and NZ writing. It works with Next Page, its developing Youth writer’s network and in partnership with Ngā Kaituhi Māori.