Entries are now open for the 2025 Sargeson Prize, New Zealand’s most prestigious short story competition, with a newly increased first prize of $15,000.
Last year’s winner, Wellington-based writer Benn Jeffries, is encouraging fellow writers to back themselves and enter. Mr Jeffries won the 2024 Open Division with his topical and politically charged story ‘Greywacke’, which explored themes of identity, place, and the complexities of relationships in modern New Zealand, earning him the $10,000 prize.
“When I found out I’d won, I couldn’t stop smiling for a week,” says Mr Jeffries. “To win a prize named for Frank Sargeson, who is such a defining figure in our literary landscape, is an incredible honour. ‘Greywacke’ came out of a fascination with place, and how that shapes who we are and how we relate to each other.”
2024 Chief Judge Harriet Allan described the story as “one that speaks with power and urgency to where we, in this country, are now.”
Now in its seventh year, the Sargeson Prize, named in honour of iconic New Zealand writer Frank Sargeson, was established by award-winning author and University of Waikato Associate Professor Catherine Chidgey.
“I’m delighted that the University of Waikato is sponsoring the Sargeson Prize once again, and that the Open Division’s first prize has increased to $15,000,” she says.
“This year our Chief Judge is the legendary Elizabeth Knox, and I can’t wait to see which stories catch her discerning eye.”
2025 Sargeson Prize Chief Judge Elizabeth Knox.
Elizabeth Knox CNZM, DLitt (Hons) is one of New Zealand’s most celebrated and imaginative writers. She is the author of thirteen novels, including The Vintner’s Luck, Dreamhunter, and The Absolute Book. Her latest novel, Kings of this World, will be released in September.
A New Zealand Arts Foundation Laureate and winner of the 2019 Prime Minister’s Award for Fiction, she says she is excited to read bold, surprising work.
“I have always read the Sargeson Prize shortlisted stories with great interest,” she says. “And I’m honoured—and intrigued—to be the one making those choices this year.”
The competition features two divisions, Open and Secondary Schools, with all entries judged blind. The winner of the Secondary Schools Division will receive $2,000 and a one-week summer writing residency at the University of Waikato. This includes mentoring, accommodation, and meals.
The competition attracted a record 1,306 entries across both divisions in 2024. The winning stories are published by ReadingRoom, Newsroom’s literary platform edited by Steve Braunias.
Entries for the 2025 Sargeson Prize close 30 June 2025. Submission criteria and entry details are available on the Sargeson Prize page.
