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 “the getting of wisdom”.
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 Kathryn van Beek.
Writer 2023 - Full Episode
This year’s winners read and discuss their works with co-organisers Lisa Dick and Nicola Cummins, with judge’s comments from current University of Otago Burns Fellow Kathryn van Beek.
Kim Cope Tait
The winner of the student poetry section was Kim Cope Tait. Kim reads her poem “Bloody Mess”.
Sydney Rodriguez
The winner of the student fiction section was Sydney Rodriguez. Sydney reads her story “The Deer”.
Mandy Phipps-Green
The winner of the staff poetry section was Mandy Phipps-Green. Mandy reads her poem “The Wisdom of Tui”.
Molly Crighton
The winner of the staff fiction section was Molly Crighton. Molly reads her story “95 Million Years”.
Val O’Reilly
The winner of the alumni poetry section was Val O’Reilly. Val reads her poem “Korero on the Getting of Wisdom”.
Monti Rodgers
The winner of the alumni fiction section was Monti Rodgers. Monti reads her story “The Guest”.