Writer 2025

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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 Dunedin writer Breton Dukes.

Text versions available here

2025 Winners

Ellen Murray

The winner of the student poetry section was Ellen Murray. Ellen reads her poem: “Homecomings, or Adrift”

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Stella Weston

The winner of the student fiction section was Stella Weston. Stella reads her story “Highlights”

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Anna Williams

The winner of the staff poetry section was Anna Williams. Anna reads her poem “Tumbleweed”

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Jennifer Haugh

The winner of the staff fiction section was Jennifer Haugh. Jennifer reads her story “Homecoming”

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Tui Bevin

The winner of the alumni poetry section was Tui Bevin. Tui reads her poem “Somewhere to Never Forget”

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Ellen Bernstein

The winner of the alumni fiction section was Ellen Bernstein. Ellen reads her story “Being and Belonging”

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2024 Winners

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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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Teala Cavanagh

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

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Tautaiolefue Brad Watson

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

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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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Shona Geary

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

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