The 2026 Peter Wells Short Fiction Contest is now open

By Samesame But Different | Posted: Tuesday Apr 28, 2026

Entries close Friday 5 June

Entries are now open for the 2026 Peter Wells Short Fiction Contest, with organisers delighted to invite submissions from writers across Aotearoa and beyond.

Following the 10th festival in 2025—where stories explored celebration, achievement, and milestones—the 2026 contest turns toward a shifting climate for communities, futures, and the world. This year, writers are encouraged to respond to themes of nourishment and rest, renewal, readiness, and resilience.

The competition offers a first prize of $1,000 for the winning story, $500 for the runner-up, and $500 for the best piece by a promising young writer aged 16–25. Submissions should be original works of short fiction between 1,200 and 2,000 words.

While there are no restrictions on genre, time, or setting, entries should hold relevance to the broader Aotearoa New Zealand LGBTQIA+ community. Writers are also asked to include the word “fire” and/or “delight” at least once, in any context.

Find out more here: THE PETER WELLS SHORT FICTION CONTEST – Samesame But Different