NZSA Shaw Writer’s Award

By Ōtepoti He Puna Auaha | Dunedin UNESCO City Of Literature | Posted: Monday Jul 07, 2025

Applications close 13 July 2025

The NZSA Shaw Writer’s Award is a new award established by novelist Tina Shaw to encourage the development of great novels by mid-career fiction writers who are working on a new project. All applicants must be New Zealand citizens or permanent residents.

The NZSA Shaw Writer’s Award will provide a cash award of $5,000 to be used to advance and/or complete a new project.

Fiction aimed at adult and younger readers (middle grade and YA) will be eligible in any genre. Fiction works in verse are eligible but poetry is not. Writers must have published at least two and a maximum of seven novels (these can be books in a series), which can be middle grade, YA and/or adult fiction.) Traditionally published, hybrid or indie published novels will be considered.

Applicants will be shortlisted by a judging panel, with the final winner selected by Tina Shaw in consultation with and advised by the shortlist judging panel.

More details here: NZSA Shaw Writer’s Award | New Zealand Society of Authors (PEN NZ Inc) Te Puni Kaituhi O Aotearoa