Inaugural New Voices of Aotearoa winners announced
The Coalition for Books has announced the winners of the inaugural New Voices of Aotearoa competition.
Chosen from over 30 nominations, the winners are:
- Wellington essayist Una Cruickshank
- Raglan journalist, videographer and nature writer Kate Evans
- Gisborne trapper, environmentalist and author Sam Gibson
- Auckland actor, producer, radio host and author Matt Heath
- Christchurch editor and writer of techno-thrillers, science fiction, fantasy and nonfiction Judy L Mohr
- Wellington novelist Olive Nuttall
- Wellington taangata turi-raised anthologist and novelist Michelle Rahurahu (Ngāti Rahurahu, Ngāti Tahu–Ngāti Whaoa)
- Auckland novelist and reviewer Josie Shapiro
- Auckland novelist and podcaster Saraid de Silva
- Auckland television screen writer and producer and author Gavin Strawhan.
According to organisers, the competition is ‘an initiative that aims to showcase up-and-coming, must-read, brilliantly talented authors of Aotearoa New Zealand adult fiction and nonfiction’.
The 2025 judges included Guy Somerset, Kerry Sunderland, Jacquie McRae (Tainui and Ngati Koata), Harriet Allan, Melissa Oliver and Lee Murray.
Murray said: ‘The judges saw potential for an ongoing writing career in each author selected.’
The Coalition for Books chair Melanie Laville-Moore said: ‘These up-and-coming authors, whether writing in fiction or nonfiction for adults, have been selected for their ability to engage readers with page-turning, entertaining, moving, “right now and what’s next” books.’
More details are available on the Coalition for Books website.
Category: Awards Local news
