National Youth Writing Mentorship Success

Congratulations to Dorothy Baricuatro who has been awarded a NZ Society of Authors Youth Mentorship for 2026. After submitting a folio of writing, she was selected from a pool of contestants to secure a place in this much coveted programme - one of only four selected nationally. Students are matched with an experienced published New Zealand author who provides them with feedback and encouragement on their chosen project. The aims are to nurture, encourage, inspire and develop emerging writers with the support of established writers through the mentoring process.

Dorothy is excited to be matched with local poet Majella Cullinane. She will be using the time to work on a collection of personal essays.

You can read the official NZSA post below:

Congratulations to the talented student writers awarded NZSA Youth Mentorships for 2026!

Four secondary school students selected for mentorships will each be matched with a professional writer/mentor in their genre, as part of the NZ Society of Authors Te Puni Kaituhi O Aotearoa (PEN NZ Inc) 2026 Youth Mentorship Programme.

The young writers will hone their writing skills and develop their craft through the year, working on their chosen writing project. We congratulate them on their success.

2026 Youth Mentorships have been awarded to:

• Dorothy Baricuatro - Trinity Catholic College (Ōtepoti | Dunedin)

• Payton Blackburn - South Westland Area School (HariHari)

• Meisha Rose Kitto - Dunstan High School (Clyde, Ōtākou | Otago)

• Bleys Robertson - Mairehau High School (Ōtautahi | Christchurch)

The judging panel of award-winning authors Convenor Cristina Schumacher and Ruby Porter, said: ‘This year’s panel encountered young writers with strong imaginative potential and thematic engagement, and the mentorship initiative will play an important role in nurturing and refining their emerging voices.’

Congratulations also to the highly commended student writers: Molly Marjoribanks from Michael Park School (Tāmaki Makaurau | Auckland), and Jacob Prewer from Cambridge High School (Kemureti | Cambridge).

What a wonderful achievement Dorothy. We are extremely proud of you!