The contest was established in 2017 by Massey’s Spanish Programme and enjoys strong support from secondary schools and universities from all over Aotearoa New Zealand. High school students can participate with texts written in Spanish in the categories of poetry and short stories. A category for university students was introduced in 2022.
The contest seeks to promote creative expression in Spanish and contribute to the study of Spanish across New Zealand, while recognising the wonderful work carried out by teachers and students.
This year, the judges, who are experts in the field of literary studies, enjoyed reading submissions from seven schools and the University of Canterbury, with a wide variety of themes and writing techniques.
Spanish Senior Lecturer Dr Celina Bortolotto says, “We are very proud of Aotearoa students of Spanish and their talented creative expression in Spanish. It is a testimony to the hard work and affection of their teachers of the language. A big congratulations to the winners and all those who participated.”
Short fiction award winner Poppy Edwards-Pascual
The short fiction award went to Poppy Edwards-Pascual from Green Bay High School for her story Un viaje a Japón (A Trip to Japan). The judges praised Poppy’s short story because it was inventive, well-written and displayed a great deal of creativity and sensitivity towards other cultures.
The judges were also impressed by the poem Encanto y odio (Enchantment and Hate) by Oscar Hookway from Glendowie College, which uses engaging rhythm and simple metaphors to offer a reflection on the complexities of life and our ever-changing attitudes to its surprises.
El tiempo justiciero (Time’s Justice) by Yuma Guerin from the University of Canterbury received the university award. Yuma's poem reflects on the healing effects of the passing of time on our worries, our uncertainties and our sorrows.
The judges hope that the winners and all students of Spanish across New Zealand continue to study Spanish and express themselves creatively in the language.
Poetry winner Oscar Hookway
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