Robert Burns Poetry Competition 2023

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The Dunedin Robert Burns Poetry Competition is a collaboration between the Dunedin Public Libraries and The Dunedin Burns Club. Entries are judged by associates of the Robert Burns Fellowship and the winners are announced and presented with prizes on Robert Burns’ birthday, 25 January.

Dunedin, in the South Island of New Zealand, has a familial link to Robert Burns in the form of his nephew, Dr Thomas Burns – who was one of the City’s founding fathers during Scottish settlement.

A statue of Robert Burns was unveiled in 1887 and stands in the Octagon at the heart of the City Centre. Today it remains a popular focal point and meeting place for both residents and visitors.

The University of Otago holds the Robert Burns Fellowship, a prestigious residency for contemporary New Zealand writers, which enables them to further explore and develop their craft.

The Dunedin Burns Club was formed in 1891. Alongside a number of Scottish clubs and societies in the City, the Dunedin Burns Club keeps the memory of our Scottish heritage alive and well.

Image - Burns Club.Image - Univeristy of Otago. Image - Otago Daily Times.Centre for Irish and Scottish StudiesCity of LiteratureDunedin Edinburgh Sister City SocietyFriends of the LibraryOtago Scottish Heritage Council

Please read the TERMS AND CONDITIONS of entry

HOW TO ENTER:

SUBMIT ONLINE: Register and submit your poem online

OR

POST: 2023 Robert Burns Poetry Competition
Dunedin Public Libraries
PO Box 5542
Moray Place
Dunedin 9054

Download entry form here.

Submit a copy of your poem with your entry form by Friday 1 December 2023.
Poems must be no longer than 500 words.

THE PRIZES ARE AS FOLLOWS:

PUBLISHED POET:

1ST PRIZE: William Brown and Charles Turner Medal

  • $1000 generously sponsored by the Otago Scottish Heritage Council
  • Poem published in the Otago Daily Times newspaper
  • Invitation to the 2024 Burns Supper at Toitū Otago Settlers Museum

2ND PRIZE: Certificate

3RD PRIZE: Certificate

UNPUBLISHED POET:

1ST PRIZE: Allan Millar Medal and Trophy

  • $500 generously sponsored by the Dunedin Public Libraries Association
  • (Friends of the Library)
  • Poem published in the Otago Daily Times newspaper
  • Invitation to the 2024 Burns Supper at Toitū Otago Settlers Museum

2ND PRIZE: Certificate

3RD PRIZE: Certificate

All 1st prize winners will be invited to attend a ceremony on Thursday 25 January 2024 at the Dunedin City Library and asked to read their poem on receipt of their prize, or nominate to have it read on their behalf.

If unable to attend, arrangements can be made for prizes to be collected by, or delivered to, the recipients.

A companion competition for young poets under the age of 18, the Rap Like Robbie Poetry Competition, is offered separately during the year, with the cash prize generously sponsored by the Dunedin-Edinburgh Sister City Society. Entry forms for this young poets competition are available from all Dunedin Public Libraries, and online at www.dunedinlibraries.govt.nz/news-and-events/competitions.