We're delighted with the great response to our short story competition, which has now closed. Many of the best entries will be published in the anthology "Regeneration: New Zealand Speculative Fiction II" from Random Static, which will be launched at the con, and the grand prize winner will be announced at the closing ceremony.

But while it's too late for short stories, entries are still open for the Masquerade and the Art Show, both with grand prizes of $500 in book vouchers, and an additional $300 worth of runnerup prizes for each. The Masquerade is one of the main events of the con, giving you the opportunity to show off your costume-making or performance skills on stage, while the Art Show will put your SF/F themed artwork on display for fans (and perhaps the general public) to admire.

Writers don't have to sit around twiddling their thumbs, though; we're also running a filking competition, ie writing science fiction or fantasy themed song lyrics.

See http://www.aucontraire.org.nz/2013/competitions.php for full details.