We are thrilled to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our students in the inaugural Te Pae Tawhiti Speculative Fiction secondary schools' competition!

A massive congratulations to Jenna Ali (Year 10), who placed second overall in this prestigious competition. Jenna’s exceptional creativity, vivid world-building, and compelling narrative craft stood out among entries from across the country.

Judges’ Comments: In this chilling cautionary tale, scientist A-001 (Doc), afflicted with worm-like tendrils growing from her scalp, documents the failure of Donor Plants (blood-grown plants capable of regrowing human limbs) which have been cultivated at the cost of live human sacrifice. A morally complex piece that questions scientific progress built on exploitation, the judges love the way scientific prose/vocabulary (particularly in the voice-recorder log entries) has been juxtaposed with visceral horror imagery, such as A-001’s hair being replaced by “tendrils of slimy, cylindrical pink” that react to her subconscious. Post-mortem blood fertilisation! Wonderfully inventive and disturbing worldbuilding and a well-realised, conflicted protagonist. What an entertaining story! Well done!

Adding to our pride, Waitākere College had an impressive showing across the board, with four additional students receiving Honourable Mentions for their remarkable entries:

• Eva Beaumont - Corrupted
• Otis Jordan - Revival of the Fittest
• Nicole Maney - Under Power
• Ronav Singh - Against The Clock

Link to Jenna's story here: Donor Plants