Writing Awards

This is awarded to the best book published in 2026 by a New Zealand-based author (or authors of any number). The prize is $2,000. The Writing awards will reopen in November 2026.

This is awarded to the best article, essay or discrete book chapter published by a New Zealand-based author in 2026. The prize is $1,500. The Writing awards will reopen in November 2026.

This is awarded to unpublished postgraduate student papers with a minimum of 8,000 and a maximum of 18,000 words. The paper must have been written for course credit at a New Zealand university. The writing of the paper must have been completed by the end of 2026, however a paper completed during the summer period over 2026–2027 is also eligible provided the paper is submitted by the closing date. The prize is $1,000. The Writing awards will reopen in November 2026.

This is awarded unpublished undergraduate student papers with a minimum of 10,000 words, and a maximum of 18,000 words. The paper must have been written for course credit at a New Zealand university. The writing of the paper must have been completed by the end of 2026, however a paper completed during the summer period over 2026–2027 is also eligible provided the paper is submitted by the closing date. The prize is $1,000. The Writing awards will reopen in November 2026.