Lest We Forget Poetry Competition: Resilient Bonds

This year, eight winners were selected in our annual Lest We Forget poetry competition, which invites writers of all ages to reflect on the enduring human impact of war. The 2025 theme, Resilient Bonds: War's Human Legacy, called for poems that explored the lasting relationships forged in times of conflict—connections that span generations, geography, and loss.

War leaves behind more than just scars. It builds deep and sometimes unexpected relationships: between comrades-in-arms, between nations like Aotearoa New Zealand and Le Quesnoy in France, and between whānau and those they have lost. The poems this year responded powerfully to these ideas, offering a rich and moving interpretation of war’s legacy.

Each winning poet received a $100 Prezzy Card and a voucher for Tuitui Museum Bistro & Café, where they could celebrate with their supporters following the ceremony.

We warmly acknowledge our long-time sponsor, Eddie Mann, who continues this generous tradition in memory of his late wife, Michele Mann. Michele was a dedicated supporter of the Museum and the poetry competition since 2019. She passed away in 2023, and we are deeply grateful to Eddie for honouring her legacy through continued support.

FINALISTS AGES 11 AND UNDER

Furry Soldiers by Madisa Withanawasam:

The 25th of April is a day by Millie Chanpiwat: 

Under the skies with blue in the air by Oskar Huang: 

FINALISTS AGES 12-17

Timeless war by Arjun Rathore:

Lest We Forget - The Maps We Keep by Emily Huai:

Dog Tags and Dandelions by Mariam Rietveld:

FINALISTS AGES 18+

Fields of War by Daryl Curnow:

Summer in Crete by Susanne Miles: