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Alice Miller named as 2027 International Institute of Modern Letters Writer in Residence
Acclaimed writer Alice Miller has been appointed Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington International Institute of Modern Letters (IIML) and Creative New Zealand Writer in Residence for 2027. While holding the residency, Alice will work on a number of projects including a new novel, a collection of poems, and a commissioned libretto for an opera […]
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Pip Adam, recipient of the 2026 Ursula K. Le Guin Prize
The 2026 Ursula K. Le Guin Prize for Fiction Congratulations to Pip Adam, recipient of the 2026 Ursula K. Le Guin Prize for Fiction for Audition! Adam’s novel was chosen by selectors Nicola Griffith, Mat Johnson, Fonda Lee, Darcie Little Badger, and Peter Rock. The panel said: “Audition is an ambitious and original book […]
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Allen & Unwin Aotearoa NZ announces winner of 2026 Fiction Prize
A debut novelist has won the Allen & Unwin Aotearoa New Zealand 2026 Fiction Prize for the fourth time. Nelson writer, Penny Richards, has taken out the top prize from a very strong field. The judges said, ‘Penny Richards’ winning novel, Soft, combines compelling characters and a beautifully judged plot with writing that is funny, […]
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Meet Your 2026 Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi Laureates
We’re thrilled to announce eight new Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi Laureates – outstanding practising artists recognised for their world-class work and profound impact on Aotearoa New Zealand’s culture and communities. Each Laureate receives a $50,000 gift — no strings attached — given in recognition of their extraordinary contribution to date and as a […]
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Lawrence Patchett is awarded the NZSA Peter and Dianne Beatson Fellowship for 2026!
16 October 2026 The New Zealand Society of Authors Te Puni Kaituhi O Aotearoa (PEN NZ Inc) congratulates Lawrence Patchett on winning the NZSA Peter and Dianne Beatson Fellowship 2026 to work on his novel.This annual award is made possible by the generosity of the Beatsons. In establishing this fellowship, they have given NZ authors a […]
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ARA Historical Novel Prize 2026 winners announced
Thursday, 15 October 2026 Bernice Barry and Meg Caddy have won the 2026 ARA Historical Novel Prize, with Wayne Marshall picking up the Readers’ Choice award. The winning titles are: Adult ($100,000) The Names of a Hare (Bernice Barry, Fremantle Press). Children and Young Adult ($30,000) A Flash in the Dust (Meg Caddy, University […]
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The Allen & Unwin Aotearoa NZ Fiction Prize 2027
The Allen & Unwin Aotearoa NZ Fiction Prize has been created to support NZ writers and to give our readers fantastic, home-grown stories that resonate; the 2027 prize is now open for entries. The winner will be awarded a publishing contract with an advance against royalties of $NZD 10,000. The competition will be open to […]
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Australasian Shadows Awards 2026 Winners
October 6, 2026 The Australasian Horror Writers Association announced the winners of the Australasian Shadows Awards on October 3. The juried award is given in eight categories for the finest in horror and dark fiction published by an Australasian within the calendar year. Eligible genres/sub-genres include horror, dark fiction, dark fantasy, and paranormal fiction. Poetry Katya de […]
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The Robert Burns Fellow: Emma Hislop
Writer Emma Hislop (Kāi Tahu, Kāti Māmoe, Waitaha) says she is still “quietly processing” the news of receiving the Robert Burns Fellowship for 2027. Although her debut short story collection, Ruin, won the Hubert Church Best First Book of Fiction at the Ockham New Zealand Book Awards in 2024, she says looking at the list […]
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Playmarket winners: Plays for the Young 2026:
Playmarket is delighted to announce the winning entries for Plays for the Young 2026: PLAYS WRITTEN TO BE PERFORMED FOR 3-12 YEAR OLDS: The Girl Whose Twin Was a Bird by Talia Pua PLAYS WRITTEN TO BE PERFORMED BY 3-12 YEAR OLDS: The Monster Kitten by Sheree Veysey PLAYS WRITTEN TO BE PERFORMED FOR AND/OR […]
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The secret life of words: Mikee Donato’s North Island road trip takes 2026 Sargeson Prize
Embargoed until 8pm Saturday 03 October 2026 For Mikee Donato, writing is that secret, second life “where all the real stuff happens”. It’s a life that has now earned her New Zealand’s richest short story prize, with her story ‘Wilding Pines’ taking out the 2026 Sargeson Prize, sponsored by the University of Waikato. Following […]
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Aotearoa author Tania Roxborogh wins French Génération Mer award for Charlie Tangaroa
Award-winning Aotearoa author Tania Roxborogh has won a 2026 Génération Mer literary award in France for the French edition of her children’s novel Charlie Tangaroa and the Creature from the Sea. The novel has been named the winner of the Étoiles bleues – Ados category, an award celebrating books that engage young readers with the […]
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