Calling for nominations for Prime Minister's Awards for Literary Achievement 2009

Readers, writers, groups and organisations are invited to nominate outstanding New Zealand writers in the three genres of poetry, fiction and non-fiction for the Prime Minister's Awards for Literary Achievement 2009.

Worth $60,000 each, the annual Prime Minister's Awards for Literary Achievement recognise writers who have made an enduring contribution to New Zealand literature. The awards are administered by Creative New Zealand and will be announced later in the year.

Alastair Carruthers, Chair of Creative New Zealand, said the Prime Minister's Awards for Literary Achievement are a highlight of the literary calendar.
"By nominating writers worthy of this honour, you're ensuring that your choice will be considered in the selection process".

Nominated writers must be living New Zealand citizens or resident in New Zealand. They should have written a body of work that has received national acclaim and/or international recognition. Previous recipients are not eligible for consideration in other genres.

The nominations are assessed by an expert literary panel and recommendations forwarded to the Council of Creative New Zealand for approval.

The closing date for nominations is Friday 5 June 2009.

The Prime Minister's Awards for Literary Achievement were established in 2003.

The complete list of recipients to date is:

Fiction: Janet Frame (2003), Maurice Gee (2004), Margaret Mahy (2005), Patricia Grace (2006), Fiona Farrell (2007), Lloyd Jones (2008).

Poetry: Hone Tuwhare (2003), Kevin Ireland (2004), Alistair Te Ariki Campbell (2005), Vincent O�Sullivan (2006), Bill Manhire (2007), Elizabeth Smithers (2008).

Non-fiction: Michael King (2003), Anne Salmond (2004), Philip Temple (2005), Judith Binney (2006), Dick Scott (2007), WH (Bill) Oliver (2008).