Competition Overview

The GreatTalk Cup #1 Poetry Recitation Competition 2026 is a national online competition designed to inspire young people to engage deeply with poetry, cultivate a love for literature, and develop confidence in expressive communication.

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This is the very first poetry recitation competition launched under The GreatTalk, and it marks the first major event in this year’s GreatTalk competition series.

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The competition is fully supported and guided by Speech New Zealand, with judging criteria aligned to its official assessment framework. Participants will have the opportunity to gain valuable insights and feedback from experienced judges and communication professionals.

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Poetry recitation is more than reading aloud,  it is an act of interpretation and creative expression. Students are encouraged to connect with the meaning of the poem and transform written language into a powerful spoken performance.

 

Competition Overview

 

• Open to students from Year 0 to Year 13

• Free entry

• Live online format via Zoom

 

 

Key Dates

 

• Registration: 3–26 April 2026

• Preliminary Round:  6pm, 15–16 May 2026

• Final Round: 6pm, 30 May 2026

 

 

Format

Participants will first perform in the Preliminary Round. Top performers from each category will advance to the Final Round, where they will complete both a prepared recital and an assigned recital.

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Winners will be officially announced, followed by a prize-giving on the day of the Final Round.

 

Why Participate?

 

• Be part of the first GreatTalk poetry competition

• Receive professional feedback and insights

• Develop confidence in public speaking

• Strengthen interpretation and performance skills

• Engage deeply with literature and creative expression

 

Registration

Participants can register by scanning the QR code or visiting:

www.cubee.nz

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Entries close on 26 April 2026

 

Further Information

For further information, please visit:
www.cubee.nz
https://languagearts.org.nz/the-greattalk

The official handbook is also available for download, where you can find full competition details.

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