In announcing the winners for 2022, Graeme praised the ‘impressive’ standard of writing from the top ten shortlisted stories. ‘Several were drawn from early childhood, viewed through the knowing lens of adulthood. These were usually moving, although also infused with sadness. Refreshingly, some also possessed comic elements.’
First place was awarded to Janet Holst for her story ‘A Good Day‘, described by Graeme Lay as ‘a finely crafted, poignant story and a worthy winner. ‘
Ruth, a matronly woman who is caring for a mother afflicted with dementia, finds unexpected solace at a hairdressing salon, in the form of a personable young male hair cutter.
The relationship between Ruth and Marty is gradually and subtly developed, after her initial uneasiness in the face of the other, younger clients and the cool receptionist. During the enforced intimacy of the hair cutting procedure, a wholly convincing bond develops between Ruth and Marty, and the reader gains the impression that although they were brought together in unpromising circumstances, they may meet again, to their mutual benefit.
As first place winner, Janet receives $500 prize money.
JANET HOLST is a retired academic living in Wellington after a career spent teaching in NZ, the Pacific, Africa and the Middle East. She has had essays and short stories published in Landfall and Turbine (NZ), Swamp Writing and The Quarry (Australia), and in three collections published by Cinnamon Press, UK. She recently completed a novel for the MA in Creative Writing at Victoria University which was selected for this year’s NZSA’s Complete MS Assessment programme. Currently she’s preparing a collection of short stories, Red Beach and Other Stories, that she hopes to publish.
SECOND PLACE – WALKING ON WATER, BY STELLA CARRUTHERS
Stella Peg Carruthers is an emerging writer from Te Whanganui a Tara. She has been published both in Aotearoa New Zealand and internationally. She is working on her debut novel.
‘Walking on Water was inspired by my personal experience of mental distress as well as family visits to wild New Zealand beaches when I was growing up. We always brought a thermos of tea to drink while we watched the waves. The ocean has remained a place of healing for me, and I wanted to express this sentiment in my story.’
THIRD PLACE – SAUERKRAUT SOUP, BY JOSEPH JANISZEWSKI
Joseph Janiszewski works as a deputy principal at an area school in North Auckland. He lives by the beach with his wife, Chara and three children. Much of his writing draws from the experiences of his refugee grandparents and is tinged with themes of identity and belonging.
‘Sauerkraut Soup is inspired by the experience of Polish family members who fled war-ravaged Europe in the 1950s and began a new life in Aotearoa, bringing with them the spectre of loss, trauma and desolation.’
Highly Commended and Shortlisted: Susan Cambridge, Anne Cleary and Jack Remiel Cottrell for their highly commended stories, and Chris Griffiths, Fiona Barber, Janet Pates, and Jill Varani for their shortlisted stories.
NZSA Auckland would like to thank all those who entered for their time and stories. 78 stories were received.
Special thanks to shortlisting judges Maria Gill and Christine Sheehy: who volunteered their time to help this Branch activity run in 2022.
