Call for nominations for the 2021 Prime Ministers Awards for Literary Achievement

Nominations are now open for the annual Prime Minister's Awards for Literary Achievement.

These prestigious awards recognise New Zealand writers who have made a notable contribution to New Zealand literature in the genres of fiction, non-fiction and poetry.

One award of $60,000 is made each year in each of these three categories:

• Fiction
  Any genre, including novels, short stories, plays, children’s fiction, and scriptwriting.

• Non-fiction
  Any non-fiction discipline is acceptable, with the quality of the work being the main determinant.

• Poetry

Any New Zealander can make a nomination and writers can nominate themselves.
Full details and nomination forms are available on Creative New Zealand's website

Nominations close Monday 12 July 2021, 1pm.

The Prime Minister’s Awards for Literary Achievement were established in 2003. Every year New Zealanders are invited to nominate their choice of a New Zealand writer who has made a significant contribution to New Zealand literature in the genres of non-fiction, poetry and fiction. Writers are also able to nominate themselves for these awards.

Nominations are assessed by an external expert panel and recommendations are forwarded to the Arts Council of New Zealand for approval.

Previous recipients of the awards:

Fiction
Tessa Duder (2020)
Elizabeth Knox (2019)
Renée (2018)
Witi Tame Ihimaera-Smiler (2017)
Marilyn Duckworth (2016)
Roger Hall (2015)
Jack Lasenby (2014)
Owen Marshall (2013)
Albert Wendt (2012)
Dame Fiona Kidman (2011)
Joy Cowley (2010)
CK Stead (2009)
Lloyd Jones (2008)
Fiona Farrell (2007)
Patricia Grace (2006)
Margaret Mahy (2005)
Maurice Gee (2004)
Janet Frame (2003)

Poetry
Jenny Bornholdt (2020)
Fleur Adcock (2019)
Michael Harlow (2018)
Paula Green (2017)
David Eggleton (2016)
Bernadette Hall (2015)
Ian Wedde (2014)
Michele Leggott (2013)
Sam Hunt (2012)
Peter Bland (2011)
Cilla McQueen (2010)
Brian Turner (2009)
Elizabeth Smither (2008)
Bill Manhire (2007)
Vincent O’Sullivan (2006)
Alistair Te Ariki Campbell (2005)
Kevin Ireland (2004)
Hone Tuwhare (2003)

Non-fiction
Sir Tīmoti Kāretu (2020)
Gavin Bishop (2019)
Wystan Curnow (2018)
Peter Simpson (2017)
Atholl Anderson (2016)
Dame Joan Metge (2015)
Jock Phillips (2014)
Martin Edmond (2013)
Gregory O'Brien (2012)
James Belich (2011)
James McNeish (2010)
Dr Ranginui Walker (2009)
WH (Bill) Oliver (2008)
Dick Scott (2007)
Judith Binney (2006)
Philip Temple (2005)
Anne Salmond (2004)
Michael King (2003)