Christchurch writer Bill Nagelkerke wins Storylines Margaret Mahy Medal, 2013

 

Christchurch writer, librarian, reviewer and international children’s book judge Bill Nagelkerke is the 2013 winner of the Storylines Margaret Mahy Medal and Lecture Award. 

The award, begun in 1991, is given for a distinguished contribution to New Zealand children’s literature and literacy. 

‘Bill Nagelkerke has been an outstanding advocate for children’s books for more than three decades, not only during 25 years as a children’s librarian in Christchurch, but as a successful writer,’ says Storylines Trust chair Dr Libby Limbrick. 

‘His body of work includes stories, poems and plays in School Journals, many more published as ‘school readers’ and written for radio and TV broadcast. He has featured in nearly 30 anthologies, and translated 13 children’s books from Dutch and Flemish. His first full-length novel Old Bones was a Storylines Notable Book, and his most recent work The Field has been published as an e-book.   

‘In 2006 and 2008 he was an international Juror for the Hans Christian Andersen Award given by the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY), the only New Zealander to be selected. He is also a highly respected reviewer for both New Zealand and Australian media.’

Previous winners of the Storylines Margaret Mahy Medal have included writers such as Fleur Beale, Joy Cowley, Maurice Gee, Lynley Dodd, Tessa Duder and Kate De Goldi, illustrators and publishers. 

The Mahy Lecture will be presented by Bill Nagelkerke at the Storylines’ annual Margaret Mahy Day on 6 April, King's School, Remuera in Auckland.