Earlier this year, we put the call out for first-time and emerging writers to share their stories. The response was incredible. We had hundreds of entries from across Aotearoa and the world both in te reo Māori and English. In June, we announced eighteen finalists.
Join us this October at the 2021 Pikihuia Awards where we will announce the winners from the four categories, hear from a panel of celebrated authors and launch Huia Short Stories 14, a collection of the best stories from the awards.
Our finalists will be celebrated by host Stacey Morrison and this year’s esteemed judges, Carol Hirschfeld, Emma Espiner, Maiki Sherman and Vini Olsen-Reeder. This year, we have made an exciting addition to the programme – we will be hosting a discussion on the future of Māori storytelling with a panel of celebrated writers. Stay tuned to find out who will be on the panel. At the end of the awards, our partner, Huia Publishers, will officially launch Huia Short Stories 14, an enduring keepsake of stories from this year’s awards.
Join us for an afternoon of literature and empowering discussions along with music from talented local musicians and refreshments from our hosts at Te Wharewaka o Pōneke.
In light of recent COVID-19 alert level restrictions, we have created a contingency plan. If the in-person ceremony is unable to go ahead, we are planning a virtual Pikihuia Awards ceremony in collaboration with Te Reo Irirangi o Te Upoko o Te Ika. All ticket holders will be fully refunded, and the event will be shifted online.
Since 1995, the biennial short story awards have become known as a stepping stone to success for Māori writers. The aim of the awards is to bring forth new and refreshing voices and creative writing talent. We look forward to welcoming you to the 2021 Pikihuia Awards.
