Writer 2024

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The University of Otago’s annual creative writing competition welcomed entries from students, staff and alumni.

Entrants were given the opportunity to harness their creativity and write a short story or a poem inspired by this year’s theme “A place of many firsts”.

The ‘Writer’ competition was established in 2019, as part of the University’s 150th celebrations.

This year’s judge was current University of Otago Burns Fellow Mikaela Nyman.

Text versions available here

2024 Winners

Profile image for George Gearry

George Gearry

The winner of the student poetry section was George Gearry. George reads his poem: “It’s all grass now”.

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Profile photo for Teala Cavanagh

Teala Cavanagh

The winner of the student fiction section was Teala Cavanagh. Teala reads her story “Reds, Blues and Greens”.

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Profile photo of Tautaiolefue Brad Watson

Tautaiolefue Brad Watson

The winner of the staff poetry section was Tautaiolefue Brad Watson. Brad reads his poem “Sounds”.

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Profile photo for Tiffany Young

Tiffany Young

The winner of the staff fiction section was Tiffany Young. Tiffany reads her story “The room was lavender”.

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Jessica Leong

The winner of the alumni poetry section was Jessica Leong. Jessica reads her poem “A place of many firsts”.

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Profile photo for Shona Geary

Shona Geary

The winner of the alumni fiction section was Shona Geary. Shona reads her story “Te Haerenga Mai”

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