TCA and NZSA name first five School Leavers Scholarship recipients

Five young writers share $10,000 in a new scholarship for secondary school students.

By The Book Source21 September 20261 minute read

Tāwhia Copyright Aotearoa (TCA) and the New Zealand Society of Authors (NZSA) have named the first five recipients of the TCA | NZSA Secondary School Leavers Scholarship, set up to support the next generation of New Zealand writers.

Each scholarship is worth $2,000, split between the student and their school. Schools submitted entries on behalf of their students.

The recipients are Elisa Cordner of Heretaunga College, Ankit Kafle of Shirley Boys' High School, Bleys Robertson of Mairehau High School, Ruby Waetford of Epsom Girls Grammar School and Christina Wright of Avondale College. Their winning pieces range from a rhythmic, poetic story to speculative fiction and a work that draws on Othello and a Sanskrit love poem.

Authors Michelle Elvy and Shelley Burne-Field judged the entries and said they were struck by the range of form and content.

Original source: Kete Books ↗

More from The Book Source

People Fergus Barrowman to step back as Te Herenga Waka University Press publisher The Wellington press's publisher of more than 40 years moves to a part-time publisher-at-large role from 1 February 2027. People James Norcliffe named NZSA President of Honour for 2027 The New Zealand Society of Authors has given its 2027 President of Honour title to poet, novelist and short story writer James Norcliffe, who will give the Janet Frame Memorial Lecture. People Alice Miller appointed 2027 IIML Writer in Residence The poet and novelist will spend 2027 at the International Institute of Modern Letters in Wellington, starting in February.