18/09/2026
We’re excited to announce the last of the school results, with the Years 9–13 category of the Checketts McKay Short Story Competition 2026.
First Place – Jack Letts, Dunstan High School
After the Thaw
Jack received a $350 Prezzy Card, with a further $250 awarded to Dunstan High School.
Second Place – Oiva Kiuru, Dunstan High School
300 Kilos
Oiva received a $200 Prezzy Card.
Third Place – Archie McNeish, Dunstan High School
The Pie Perpetrator
Archie received a $100 Prezzy Card.
A fantastic result for all three writers – and a particularly special showing from Dunstan High School, taking out all three places!
We’d also like to congratulate our Highly Commended writers:
Nicole Gumasing – Cromwell College, for The New Girl
Arlee Sutherland – Dunstan High School, for Drowned Village
Mia Reardon – Mount Aspiring College, for The Colour of Gold
James Allan – Mount Aspiring College, for Meeting Kurt
Eli Moir – Dunstan High School, for The Unpaid Price for Gold
And congratulations to our Commended writers:
Angus Keane – Dunstan High School, for A Happy Home
Cohen Brown – Dunstan High School, for The Clock
Charlie Diver – Dunstan High School, for White Death
A big thank you to every student who entered, and to the teachers, schools and families who supported them along the way. It’s been fantastic to see young writers from across the region, sharing stories inspired by our part of the world.
Want to read these stories? We’ll pop the links in the comments below.
The winners for the open category will be announced in October - watch this space!
