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, includes 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 Ministers Award for Literary Achievement
Fiction
- 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
- 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
- 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)
News item announcements
- Prime Minister's Awards for literary achievement 2022
- Prime Minister's Awards for literary achievement 2021
- Prime Minister's Awards for literary achievement 2020
- Prime Minister's Awards for literary achievement 2019
- Prime Minister's Awards for literary achievement 2018
- Prime Minister's Awards for literary achievement 2017
- Prime Minister's Awards for literary achievement 2016
- Prime Minister's Awards for literary achievement 2015
- Prime Minister's Awards for literary achievement 2014
- Prime Minister's Awards for literary achievement 2013
- Prime Minister's Awards for literary achievement 2012
- Prime Minister's Awards for literary achievement 2011
- Prime Minister's Awards for literary achievement 2010