Five Young Writers Awarded Inaugural TCA | NZSA Scholarships

On September 18, 2026, Tāwhia Copyright Aotearoa (TCA) and the New Zealand Society of Authors Te Puni Kaituhi o Aotearoa (NZSA) announced the winners of their first Secondary School Leavers Scholarships. The initiative was established to support emerging writers as they finish high school. Each scholarship provides NZD 2,000, a sum shared between the winning student and their school to help sustain the next generation of New Zealand literature.

The selection panel, featuring award-winning authors Michelle Elvy and Shelley Burne-Field, noted the imaginative quality of the entries submitted. The judges reviewed a broad spectrum of themes and styles, ranging from speculative fiction and creative nonfiction to historical narratives. They remarked on the depth of human experience found in the stories, noting how elements of mystery and connection ran through the submissions.

Designed to foster a lasting love for storytelling, the program encourages students to find their own voices before they leave the school system. The five recipients were selected for narratives that paired technical skill with emotional resonance. They are Elisa Cordner from Heretaunga College, Ankit Kafle from Shirley Boys' High School, Bleys Robertson from Mairehau High School, Ruby Waetford from Epsom Girls Grammar School, and Christina Wright from Avondale College.

Each of these students brought a distinct perspective to their work. Cordner’s writing was noted for its poetic quality and emotional weight, while Kafle’s entry examined themes of identity and authenticity. The schools played a vital role in the process, encouraging their students to submit their best work and highlighting the collaborative nature of supporting young talent in the classroom.

Beyond the financial support, the scholarships offer formal recognition for the creativity of these young writers. Being acknowledged by established authors can help build the confidence required to keep developing their craft. The program also draws attention to the value of supporting young artists across the country, helping to maintain a literary culture that prizes diverse voices and new stories.

Looking ahead, the TCA | NZSA Secondary School Leavers Scholarships are expected to remain a fixture for nurturing talent in New Zealand. As the initiative grows, it may draw further participation and sponsorship, increasing its influence on the local literary community. By investing in these writers today, the program helps prepare a new generation of authors to contribute to the national cultural landscape.