Sargeson Prize
short story prize
The Sargeson Prize is New Zealand's highest-endowed short-story prize. It is awarded for unpublished stories of 5000 words or less submitted by New Zealand citizens and permanent residents.
The prize honours the legacy of Frank Sargeson, one of New Zealand's most prolific and notable short-story writers. Along with publishing over forty short stories, plays and novels, Sargeson is noted for his support of emerging New Zealand authors. The prize continues to aid writers by offering its winner prize money and publication. The value of the first prize has gradually increased from $5,000 in its first year to $15,000 in the 2025 competition. The first prize for the secondary schools division includes a week-long writing residency at the University of Waikato.
There are two divisions to the prize. The open division is for New Zealand citizens and permanent residents over the age of 16. The secondary schools division is specifically open to New Zealand secondary school students between 16 and 18 years of age.
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