1. Eligibility:

The competition is open to all students in the following categories:

• Primary (Years 1-6)

• Intermediate (Years 7-8)

• Secondary (Years 9-13)

• Tertiary (University and Polytechnic students)

 

2. Theme and Content Requirements:

• Each poem must reference the Whanganui Awa (Whanganui River).

• The theme of the poem must be centred around "Peace".

• Poems must be the original work of the entrant.

• No offensive content.

 

3. Submission Guidelines:

• Poems must be written in English or Te Reo Māori.

• Each entrant may submit only one poem.

• Submissions should be typed (In MS Word or PDF digital format - not handwritten) and must not exceed 40 lines in length.

• The title of the poem is not included in the line count.

 

4. Presentation:

• Entrants are encouraged to create and present their poems in their own unique style.

• Selected finalists will be invited to present their poems at the International Peace Day event at Handspan, Whanganui, on 21 September.

 

5. Entry Process:

• Entries must be submitted via the official competition entry form on the website www.sunday.co.nz

• The submission deadline is 31 August 2024.

• Entries should be submitted as a PDF or MS Word document attachment with entry submission on the website www.sunday.co.nz

 

6. Judging Criteria:

• Relevance to the theme of Peace and reference to the Whanganui Awa.

• Originality and creativity.

• Clarity and emotional impact.

• Adherence to the submission guidelines.

 

7. Prizes:

• The overall winner will be awarded the 'PTU Voice of Change 2024' title.

• Additional prizes will be awarded to winners in each category (Primary, Intermediate, Secondary, and Tertiary).

• Prizes include certificates, books, gift vouchers, and a special publication of the winning poems in the “Many to Many Newsletter”.

 

8. Notification of Winners:

• All entrants must be available to present their poem at the International Peace Day event on 21 September 2024.

• Finalists will be notified by 10 September 2024.

• Winners will be announced at the International Peace Day event on 21 September 2024.

 

9. Terms and Conditions:

• By entering the competition, participants agree to have their poems published on the PTU website and in any related publications.

• The Peace Through Unity Trust reserves the right to disqualify any entry that does not comply with these rules.

• The judges' decision is final, and no correspondence will be entered into.

 

10. Contact Information:

• For any inquiries, please get in touch with the PTU via the enquiry form on www.sunday.co.nz here or email poetry@peacethroughunity.org.nz

 

We look forward to your creative expressions and celebrating peace through your powerful words!

For a PDF download of the entry criteria, click here (68kb PDF File).