Young writers a success story

Young Wairarapa writers make up more than half of the 20 finalists in the Central Districts Short Story Competition for young authors.

Former Wairarapa College principal Alwyn Williams, secondary schools facilitator for Masterton Trust Lands Trust educational grants, said the Wairarapa writers had submitted their entries - alongside about 150 other young writers throughout the central districts - after completing a two-day writer's course this year under award-winning Hawkes Bay author Anna McKenzie.

It is the fourth round of annual workshops Ms McKenzie has led in Masterton and students were encouraged to enter the contest for the first time this year.

Seven Year 9 and four Year 10 students from Wairarapa were shortlisted as finalists from schools including St Matthew's Collegiate School, Rathkeale, Solway and Chanel colleges.

"It's an outstanding result, absolutely outstanding.

"The writer's workshop students acquitted themselves superbly well," he said.

Chanel College Year 9 students Sion Madden and Georgia Sommerville are among the finalists and both attended the writer's workshop.

The young Wairarapa writers each submitted two stories for the contest - including Are You Happy Now? about youth suicide by Georgia and Sion's science fiction story The Unnamed Star.

"The workshop is intended to blow wind into the sails of creative students throughout the Masterton district and the quality of Anna's presentation and relationships with the students was excellent, " says Claire Hills, head of English at Chanel College.

Both Georgia and Sion agreed the workshop focus on editing had been of greatest benefit to their writing.

There had been several student courses held this year as part of the trust-funded Gifted and Talented Education project, Mr Williams said, including a course at Wellington Zoo, public speaking, maths and the writer's workshop.

He said the trust annually grants $75,000 to schools in the district that funds student workshops, professional development for teachers and resources for teachers and students.