Events Calendar

2026 will be the first year for The Checketts McKay Short Story Competition. Their intention is for the competition to be run annually and provide an opportunity for both budding and established authors.

They do have a theme, albeit very broad. All short stories must have a connection to Central Otago/ Queenstown Lakes. This is the region where Checketts McKay is proud to be based and where our people live, work, and play. How entrants reflect that connection is entirely up to them - they don’t want to constrain creativity in any way!

The Open Category is open to all NZ citizens/ permanent residents over 18 and currently living in New Zealand. Entries can be submitted in the Open category from 1 May to July 31. Winners will be announced towards the end of September (dates still to be finalised).

There is a Schools Category for years 5/ 6, 7/ 8, and 9-13, for schools in Central Otago/ Queenstown Lakes. Entries in this category are being collected by participating schools. If you want to know more about the schools category, talk to your school principal, year head teacher, or English teacher. The schools category started at the beginning of Term 2 and closes at the end of Term 2. Winners will be announced during Term 3.

For further details and to enter click HERE

Location