The New Zealand High Commission has once again launched a secondary school essay competition marking the 40th anniversary of Fiji's independence following last year’s competition.

The competition has been organised in conjunction with the Fiji Association in Auckland, and the details of the competition has been sent to secondary schools in the country.

Fiji Association Secretary Shona Kamath said the essay competition is designed to allow students opportunities to research Fiji's contributions in the international community since independence in 1970.

The High Commission said the two overall winners will receive cash prizes of $1000 each, along with trophies and Certificates of Distinction, with a total cash prize pool for the competition of $6000.  

Essaid must be submitted through the school and it has to be sent to the New Zealand High Commission, Suva.

The closing date of the competition is 7 April 2010.