How you can help
Kia ora,
In 2003 Bill Manhire set up the only national poetry competition
for high school students in Aotearoa. Last year we had to cancel the Award
through a lack of funds. We have just launched a fundraising
campaign to help revive an important literary event for
young writers which each year has attracted more than 300 poets from across the
country.
We're not starting from scratch. We already have some support
from Creative New Zealand. But we still have a large shortfall. With your help
we can deliver a full Award, securing the workshop which is such a vital part
of the experience, and promoting poetry throughout our high schools.
The Award is about much more than a winning poem. English
teachers use the award to generate excitement and activity around Creative
Writing. Ten shortlisted poets are flown to Wellington for a weekend of
workshops with great poets hosted by the International Institute of Modern
Letters. These young writers become ambassadors for creativity when they return
to their schools.
The Award has made a difference. Students who have been
shortlisted in previous Poetry Awards have gone on to study Creative Writing at
tertiary level, won other national writing prizes for emerging writers and have
been published in national magazines and literary journals.
Ruby Solly, from Western Heights High School, Rotorua, was the
2013 runner-up: 'After I
came back from the poetry workshop I became very committed to school and
writing as I had been given a taste of what it was like to be with other
writers and to see what kind of course or occupation I could end up in as a
poet. The workshop showed me various ways of both 'sparking creativity' and
refining my work to make it the best that it could be. These skills helped me
to achieve publication in both Minarets (literary journal) and Redraft. It was definitely a highlight of the
year for me.'
Margie McLaren, who teaches at Baradene College, writes: 'The main benefit is the new
confidence instilled in the students about the value of poetry in a utilitarian
world which does not always attach the significance to poetry that it deserves
. . . The Award is an affirmation of the many benefits of working with and
celebrating language, and the special ways in which poetry can reflect human
experience. The opportunity of entering for the Award has been a very positive
and rewarding experience.'
We hope you can support us!
Ngā mihi nui,
Damien WilkinsDirector
International Institute of Modern Letters
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