Short stories should be pithy,’ stated Reina Whaitiri, this year’s judge for the 2011 Pikihuia Awards for Maori Writers’ Best Short Story written in English category. Reina also noted that it is important that the stories be ‘interesting, and explore one idea … As a Maori reader, I would be interested in stories that show what it is to be Maori and how we operate in the Maori, and the wider, world.’
The Huia Publishers biennial writing competition is on once again. The competition opened on 1 January 2011 and closes on 15 April 2011. There is a choice of five categories for Maori writers to consider, with entry forms available online at Huia Publishers website http://www.huia.co.nz/.
Entrants will be in with a chance to win $2000 in each category except the Best Short Story written in Maori or English by a Secondary School Student. Secondary school students are eligible to win a cash prize of $500 and $250 worth of HUIA books for their school.
Finalists will have the opportunity of having their work published in a collection to be launched at the Awards night in August 2011. Following this, the books will be available in bookstores throughout the country. Huia Publishers and the Maori Literature Trust are proud to support diversity in writing and innovation and to recognise outstanding work by Maori writers.
This year’s judges are confirmed: Erima Henare, the Board Chair and Commissioner of Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Maori, will judge the Best Short Story written in Maori; the Best Short Film Script written in English will be judged by actor and director of theatre, television and for the big screen Katie Wolfe; and the Best Novel Extract written in English will be judged by Man Booker prize winner Keri Hulme.
Reina Whaitiri is predicted to judge the largest number of entries for the Best Short Story written in English. This year, Huia Publishers would like to see an increase in stories written in Maori and is encouraging te reo Maori speakers to try their hand at writing.
For more information please contact Charlie Holland on 04 913 2478 or email charlie.holland@huia.co.nz
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