Blue Sky Dreaming: call out for writers

2125: Utopia or dystopia – what will it be?

It’s 2125, and you’ve magically stayed the same age you were in 2025. What does your everyday life look like? Consider how your neighbourhood might change – we’re already feeling the effects of a changing climate in Christchurch, in the form of hotter and drier summers, more intense storms and floods, and higher sea levels. These things will affect our homes, schools, parks, animals, neighbourhoods, and the way we live.

Think creatively about how you might still be able to live here. Have a read of the provided information to inspire you. We’re seeking a series of super-short pieces of writing by anyone with ideas to share, to be featured on posters throughout the city this Summer.

When to submit: 

From now until 5pm Wednesday 5 November 2025.

What to write about  

A day in the life in 2125 Ōtautahi Christchurch. It could be microfiction (a very short story), poetry, or creative nonfiction. Your piece should be up to 150 words and in English and/ or te reo Māori.

To help you consider what our city might be like, read this sheet to spur your imagination.

Who can enter

• Open to all NZ citizens and residents.
• All welcome – everyone has a story, no matter their age or experience.
• There is no fee to enter.
• Maximum one piece per entrant.

How to enter

Submissions are open now, until 5pm Wednesday 5 November 2025.

• The word limit for all submissions is up to 150 words; very short pieces are very welcome!
•  Fill in the submission form here.
• Upload your work on a Word document. Rename the file with your full name.

The Prizes

Each person who has their writing selected will receive a $150 gift voucher and a copy of the poster. 

The Terms and Conditions

• Selections will be made by a panel from WORD Christchurch. Decisions are final. No feedback will be offered on an individual basis. There will be at least ten (10) selected entries.
• Successful entries will be selected by 17 November and we will contact the writers by email or phone.
• Entry constitutes acceptance of all guidelines and agreement that your work will be displayed in public across the city from December 2025 – January 2026, and excerpts of the selected pieces may be published by the Christchurch City Council royalty-free. Any use of your work will be credited to you. The copyright of your work remains with you.
• Only previously unpublished work will be considered.
• Writing must be original works written by you. Please do not use generative AI.

This project is a collaboration between WORD Christchurch and the Christchurch City Council.