Prime Minister's Awards for literary achievement

See who has received a Prime Ministers Award for Literary Achievement since they began in 2003.

Every year, New Zealanders are invited to nominate their choice of an outstanding writer who has made a significant contribution to New Zealand literature in the genres of:

• fiction (from any genre, including plays and scriptwriting)
• non-fiction
• poetry

These New Zealand writers have been recognised for their notable literary achievement and significant contribution to New Zealand literature by being awarded a Prime Minister's Award for Literary Achievement.

Fiction

• Lee Murray (2023)
• Stephanie Johnson (2022)
• David Hill MNZM (2021)
• Tessa Duder (2020)
• Elizabeth Knox (2019)
• Renée (2018)
• Witi Tame Ihimaera-Smiler (2017)
• Marilyn Duckworth (2016)
• Roger Hall (2015)
• Jack Lasenby (2014)
• Owen Marshall (2013)
• Albert Wendt (2012)
• Dame Fiona Kidman (2011)
• Joy Cowley (2010)
• CK Stead (2009)
• Lloyd Jones (2008)
  
• Fiona Farrell (2007)
• Patricia Grace (2006)
• Margaret Mahy (2005)
• Maurice Gee (2004)
  
• Janet Frame (2003)

Poetry

• Tusiata Avia (2023)
• James Norcliffe (2022)
• Anne Kennedy (2021)
• Jenny Bornholdt (2020)
• Fleur Adcock (2019)
• Michael Harlow (2018)
• Paula Green (2017)
• David Eggleton (2016)
• Bernadette Hall (2015)
• Ian Wedde (2014)
• Michele Leggott (2013)
• Sam Hunt (2012)
• Peter Bland (2011)
• Cilla McQueen (2010)
• Brian Turner (2009)
• Elizabeth Smither (2008)
• Bill Manhire (2007)
• Vincent O’Sullivan (2006)
• Alistair Te Ariki Campbell (2005)
• Kevin Ireland (2004)
  
• Hone Tuwhare (2003)

Non-fiction

• Linda Tuhiwai-Smith (2023)
• Vincent O'Malley (2022)
• Dame Claudia Josepha Orange PhD OBE DNZM (2021)
• Sir Tīmoti Kāretu (2020)
• Gavin Bishop (2019)
• Wystan Curnow (2018)
• Peter Simpson (2017)
• Atholl Anderson (2016)
• Dame Joan Metge (2015)
• Jock Phillips (2014)
• Martin Edmond (2013)
• Gregory O'Brien (2012)
• James Belich (2011)
• James McNeish (2010)
• Dr Ranginui Walker (2009)
• WH (Bill) Oliver (2008)
• Dick Scott (2007)
• Judith Binney (2006)
• Philip Temple (2005)
• Anne Salmond (2004)
  
• Michael King (2003)