Auckland University Press title short-listed for prestigious award

Dr Angela Wanhalla’s Matters of the Heart; A History of Interracial Marriage in New Zealand has been Shortlisted for the 2014 Ernest Scott Prize.

The Ernest Scott Prize, presented by the University of Melbourne, is awarded annually for the most distinguished contributions to the history of Australia and New Zealand.

Of the four authors shortlisted, Dr Angela Wanhalla, who researches at the University of Otago, has been shortlisted for her groundbreaking history of interracial relationships in New Zealand. On hearing the news Dr Wanhalla responded, “I am delighted that Matters of the Heart has been shortlisted for this important prize and it is particularly pleasing to see a work of New Zealand and Māori history acknowledged in this way.”

Director of Auckland University Press, Sam Elworthy said: ‘‘The Ernest Scott Prize is Australasia’s most prestigious award in history and we congratulate Angela Wanhalla on being shortlisted for her wonderful book Matters of the Heart. Angela tells one of Aotearoa’s biggest stories—the history of intimate relationships between Māori and Pakeha—from first contact to today. And she does it with great research, analysis and passion.’

The winner of 2014 Ernest Scott Prize will be announced on July 11 at the annual conference of the Australian Historical Association.