A poem about the complexity of sibling relationships has won an Auckland teenager the National Schools Poetry Award.

St Cuthbert's College year 12 student Haro Lee received the prestigious award for her piece titled Passive Aggressive.

Haro says the poem was written about the impact her sister departing for college in the United States would have on her mother.

"It's also a bit selfish because I'm thinking about myself and our own relationship when she leaves," she says.

The teenager was one of 10 finalists in the poetry competition for year 12 and 13 students, which is organised by Victoria University's International Institute of Modern Letters.

Poet laureate Ian Wedde chose Haro's poem as the winner from nearly 300 entries.

Mr Wedde says the poem's language and voice are uncomplicated and full of character.

"What's noticeable about Passive Aggressive is the way its simple arrangement of lines scores the rhythms of speech," Mr Wedde says.

"They are signs of the poet's unobtrusive but effective attention to what poems can do as scores."

Haro will receive $500 cash, and $500 for her school library - and Passive Aggressive will be displayed on posters throughout the country.

Haro and the other nine finalists will attend a masterclass led by poets Hinemoana Baker, James Brown and Louise Wallace.

The National Schools Poetry Award began in 2003.

To read Haro's poem click here.

- © Fairfax NZ News