Te Pae Tawhiti Awards (Distant Horizons) and Hamilton Book Month are pleased to announce their 2026 collaboration, with New Zealand’s newest literary award for speculative fiction to hold its inaugural prize-giving event on 22 August as part of the vibrant month-long festival of literary events.
Te Pae Tawhiti founding member, award-winning author Lee Murray, who was born and raised in Waikato, hopes the collaboration with the festival will raise awareness of the value of speculative narratives in Aotearoa. Murray believes that because of its origins in children’s fantasy, speculative fiction (which includes fantasy, science fiction and horror subgenres) is sometimes seen by readers as frivolous and unimportant. She insists that isn’t the case. “Speculative fiction, particularly Māori and Pasifika storytelling, has not only shaped our identity as a nation, but it helps us to make sense of the world we live in, offering new thinking to get us through difficult times,” Murray says.
Hamilton Book Month co-director, Catherine Wallace, says “we are excited to be collaborating with Te Pae Tawhiti, and welcome the awards as part of our Hamilton Book August festival. We strongly believe they will strengthen and promote the appeal of speculative writing nationally, and for Waikato readers embracing local narratives and supporting our authors.”
For over a decade, Hamilton Book Month, one of the country’s most respected literary festivals, has championed storytelling in all its forms by both established and emerging voices, encouraging wide-ranging discourse that challenges the status quo. “Hamilton Book Month never fails to deliver an entertaining and engaging line-up. Te Pae Tawhiti are excited to be an integral part of this year’s programming,” Murray says.
Te Pae Tawhiti Awards evening will be held on Saturday 22 August 2026 in Te Whare Tāpere Iti at the Gallagher Performing Arts Centre. In addition to the award presentations, the evening will comprise a keynote address and panel event. Look for more details in the Hamilton Book Month programme to be announced on 1 July.
