Have your say and be published online
In the box above, write a letter clearly explaining your point of view about a current issue or something you feel strongly about.
You can write about any theme you like or write on the suggested starter theme, but letters must be 100-250 words in length.
Your letter will be submitted to the editor for a chance to win great prizes and be published online for others to view.
One 'Editor's Choice' and four highly commended entries will be chosen each month and posted online. Each month the winner of the 'Editor's Choice' letter will receive a prize to the value of $100. Four highly commended winners will also receive prizes to the value of $50 each. All will be posted online.
Tips for writing your letters
- Use formal language
- Introduce the theme
- State the issue - problems and solutions
- Offer your point of view
- Develop your ideas with examples
- Provide facts and opinion
- Analyse the information
- Evaluate the situation
- Give a conclusion - state what you think should happen
- Be persuasive
Getting started
Looking for inspiration? Check out the Letters to the Editor section of your newspaper where members of the public tell us what they think. Who do you agree with? Disagree with? Or write on this month's theme.
Things to think about:
• Who are our New Zealand role models?
• What is it that makes those people role models?
• What are the most important attributes of a good role model?
• Do you need to be rich or well known to be a role model?
• Can a life-style be role modelled, e.g. binge drinking, drug-taking etc?
• Is there a common set of criteria that makes a role model good or bad?
• Are you personally responsible to be a good role model to others? Why/why not?
• Does every person have a role model(s) or are some people self-sufficient?
Last month’s topic generated a lot of thought about ‘our New Zealand, National identity’. Students were asked to consider what makes people New Zealanders and to identify the most recognised of the New Zealand icons. The question was asked, do you need to be able to do the Haka or be able to sing the national anthem - from memory - to understand New Zealand’s national Identity? Students were also faced with the dilemma of should the New Zealand flag be changed? Finally they were asked to consider what sets NZ apart from other countries and what would enhance or damage NZ National Identity?
Just a reminder to students, you do not have to write on the theme topic suggested, you can write about anything you are passionate about. Be persuasive. Also please edit your work carefully and check the word count before sending off your entries.
Read the latest winning letters
Read past winning letters
