Two St Andrew's finalists National Schools Poetry Award

Talented St Andrew’s poets, Thomas Palmer (Year 12) and Penny Dai (Year 13), were recognised among New Zealand’s best, after being named among ten nationwide finalists in the National Schools Poetry Award, which is considered the premier award for young writers in Aotearoa New Zealand.

As part of their prize, Thomas and Penny travelled to Wellington in late August to attend a Poetry Masterclass held at the International Institute of Modern Letters at Te Herenga Waka, Victoria University of Wellington.

In her Judge’s Report, judge Ruby Solly said Thomas Palmer’s poem Change, was the shortest of all the poems, but possibly has the great impact per word ratio of any poem she’s ever read. “A perfect description of how it feels to exist as a young person at this point in the historical crossroads. A metaphorical masterpiece,” she wrote.

Ruby Solly described Penny Dai’s poem Illicium Verum as "another fantastic poem that takes us on a sensory adventure through whakapapa", which shows us the many different ways our elders tell us they love us, without saying those exact words.

Head of English, Rebecca Ball, says this was another great result for writing at St Andrew’s, after Chantelle Xiong (OC 2024) won the competition last year.

“To have been selected as two of only ten finalists nationwide is a truly incredible achievement for Thomas and Penny,” shares Rebecca. “While very different from each other, both of these poems speak to the insight and talent of their authors, and the generosity with which they have shared their thoughts with the country.”