The jury for the inaugural Te Pae Tawhiti Speculative Fiction Awards today unveiled a shortlist of works that highlight the best in science fiction, fantasy and horror storytelling from Aotearoa and Pasifika creatives. The awards — created to champion Aotearoa speculative fiction — attracted a strong mix of traditionally and independently published entries and showcased wide-ranging talent and inventive voices across the region.
Entries were of an exceptional quality overall. The judges especially looked for works that featured a local focus along with voice, plot and writing technique.
“Te Pae Tawhiti committee were thrilled with the response from local storytellers,” says convenor A.J. Ponder. “We were impressed with the quality of stories, and are proud to announce our finalists for entries published in 2025. We had reasonable numbers of diverse voices, but we do hope to increase the contribution of indigenous and other marginalised voices in the future.”
“The quality and depth of the entries was impressive, and the judges faced a tough job choosing the finalists,” said Sharon Manssen, President of SpecFicNZ. “These enthralling entries have enriched the literary scene, and we hope that the awards give authors a chance to reach wider audiences and help build a stronger community.”
The 2025 Te Pae Tawhiti Distant Horizon Awards shortlisted works are:
Outstanding Achievement for Adult Novel
The Book of Guilt by Catherine Chidgey
Lifelikeness by Alex Lodge
Dancing in the Purple Rain by Judy L Mohr
Galaxy Grifter by A. Zaykova
Judges notes: We were impressed with the quality of submissions in the Adult Fiction section, and with the diversity of settings, themes and subgenres. Our reading took us from contemporary Britain to a post-apocalyptic South Pacific to outer space, from literary science fiction to dystopian techno-thrillers to paranormal romance, and many other times and places. It was encouraging to see independent publishers make a strong showing. Although the quality and diversity made the judging process challenging, this year’s submissions are a great sign for the future of speculative fiction in Aotearoa.
Outstanding Achievement for Middle Grade Fiction
Eye of the Dragon by Susan Brocker
Welcome to Miracle by Shara Curlett
Draconic Search and Rescue by Robinne L Weiss
The Secret Green by Sonya Wilson
Judges notes: Authors had a great feel for writing for children. There was plenty to enthrall and delight with fast plots and great imaginative and innovative storytelling.
Outstanding Achievement for Young Adult Fiction
The Lost Saint by Rachael Craw
Truth Needs No Colour by Heather McQuillan
Wyld Witch Weather by Janna Ruth
Judges notes: Lots of vivid worlds, fun fast-paced reads with engaging premises and great tension.
Outstanding Achievement for a Novella
Chasing Worms by Joseph Bonnett
Spellcasting On by Andi Buchanan
The Emotion Dealer by Jack Ramiel Cottrell
Dear Diary by Marie Hodgkinson
Judges notes: The shortlisted stories were well written. We appreciated the use of the New Zealand setting in Andi Buchanan’s Spellcasting On, the great use of imagery in Chasing Worms by Joseph Bonnett and the excellent writing in all four finalists.
Outstanding Achievement for a Short Story
Wild@Heart by Michael Botur
The Poppy Cloud by Lee Murray
A Day Lost in Time by Douglas Perenara Johnston
The Hound of Annwn by Rem Wigmore
The Cold Burns by Anne Wilkins
Judges notes: We were impressed with the strength of prose, characterisation and passion in all of our finalists.
Outstanding Achievement for a Collection or Anthology (fiction, poetry, or essay)
Blood Protectors by Sue Glamuzina
Untethered: Science Fiction and Fantasy from Papua New Guinea editor Kirsten McGavin
This Way Lies Madness editor Lee Murray & Dave Jeffery
Uninvited Guests by North Shore Writers group
Judges notes: An impressive range of beautifully written, well edited collections. We enjoyed the richly imagined worlds and characters.
Outstanding Service to Speculative Fiction
Winner to be announced on the night.
The Te Pae Tawhiti Award winners will be announced at an Awards Gala on 22 August 2026 at Te Whare Taapere Iti, Gallagher Academy of Performing Arts in Hamilton as part of Hamilton Book Month. The evening will feature the inaugural Te Pae Tawhiti Awards, a keynote by Pip Adam, and a panel discussion moderated by Lee Murray, with Pip Adam, David Hair, Jade Kake and Gareth Ward. As part of the event, there will be four professional development workshops during the day — two for youth and two for adults. Te Pae Tawhiti is also running a secondary schools’ writing competition; winners will be announced at the gala. Entries are open now and close on 3 July. Te Pae Tawhiti Distant Horizon Awards are supported by Creative New Zealand and Copyright Licensing New Zealand.
