The New Zealand Society of Authors Te Puni Kaituhi O Aotearoa (PEN NZ) Inc announce the writers who will receive manuscript guidance through this year’s CompleteMS programme.
Powerful manuscripts crafted by these accomplished writers, have been chosen to be part of this year’s programme. Writers spend months polishing their stories for entry into this competitive and successful programme (open to NZSA members). The thirteen successful writers receive a detailed assessment of their manuscript from one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s leading writers and approved assessors, followed by a Q+A session with follow-up support.
Our congratulations to the NZSA CompleteMS 2026 recipients (left to right, top row first): Richard Jokob-Hoff (Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland), Lesley Shepherd (Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland), Lisa Slavich (Whangarei), Athena Knight (Raukawa Ashhurst), Jane Simpson (Ōtautahi Christchurch), Alwyn Dale (Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland), Amelia Reynolds (Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland), Erica Stretton (Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland), Laura Hardcastle (Porirua), Marlon Moala-Knox (Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington), Penelope Scott (Mt Maunganui), Olivia Bing (Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland), and Peter Aylward (Te Awa Kairangi ki Tai Lower Hutt).
Always fiercely contested, this year’s CompleteMS programme received a record number of applications with 108 advanced and completed manuscripts submitted for the programme.The highly skilled judging panel of convenor Tina Shaw (award-winning author and editor), Jacquie McRae (internationally acclaimed author), and Caroline Barron (award-winning author, presenter, and creative-writing workshop host) said the applications reinforce the diverse breadth of talent in our sector.
“The panel read a wide range of applications that covered most genres, and fiction (especially fantasy or speculative fiction) was well represented. It was brilliant to see such a range of genres – horror fiction, commercial fiction, historical fiction, scifi and crime thrillers. There were also a small number of poetry applications, and memoir projects. There were several Young Adult projects, and a few aimed at Middle Grade fiction,” said Shaw.
The panel said it chose the final selection with an eye on originality and clarity of synopsis, the quality of the writing extract, and the extent to which the writer knew what their manuscript needed from an assessment.
Also noted was the encouraging sign that many writers seem to be on a career trajectory with their writing.
“As seen in the number that have already been through the NZSA Mentor Programme; who have had their work assessed and/or read by a professional assessor or beta readers; and have been through several drafts of their work.”
NZSA would also like to congratulate shortlisted writers: Andy Southall, Lauren Middleton and Katrina Gardiner.
Many past recipients have produced final manuscripts that have achieved publication and acclaim.
CompleteMS Manuscript Assessments are offered by The NZ Society of Authors Te Puni Kaituhi o Aotearoa (Pen NZ) Inc every year with the intent of fostering and developing emerging talent with the support of established practitioners. The NZSA has run highly successful manuscript assessment and mentoring programmes for writers since 1999 and our programmes are supported by funding from Creative New Zealand.