Entries Closed for Ronald Hugh Morrieson Literary Awards

This year's Lysaght-Watt Trust Ronald Hugh Morrieson Literary Awards entries have officially closed and now it is time for the judges to read each entry and narrow down the finalists and winners.

"We have seen an increase in entries this year, which is promising for future years if the trend of budding writers and poets continue to bloom in the Taranaki region," says Katherine Bosworth, South Taranaki Community Outreach Librarian.

167 entries were received across all categories (Open Poetry – 83, Open Short Story – 37, Secondary School Short Story – 12, Secondary School Poetry – 20, True Story – 15) and the finalists will be announced on 3 October.

“Last year we had 148 entries, the year before 124 and 131 in 2019. So, it’s great to see the numbers have increased this year,” she said.

Notably the True Story Category (formerly known as the Research Category), has also seen a significant increase in entries this year.

“The judges have a difficult task ahead of them. We wish the best of luck to everyone who entered,” Katherine added.

The list of finalists will be announced on Monday 3 October on www.southtaranaki.com/rhm. All finalists will be invited to attend the Awards evening on Wednesday 19 October at TSB Hub in Hāwera.

The Lysaght-Watt Trust Ronald Hugh Morrieson Literary Awards are celebrating their 35th year with judges Airini Beautrais and Robert Sullivan and sponsors Lysaght-Watt Trust, Normanby & District Lions Club and Taranaki Daily News.

Additional information:

The Awards, sponsored by the Lysaght Watt Trust, honour the work of one of New Zealand’s most preeminent authors, Ronald Hugh Morrieson (1922 – 1972). Morrieson wrote four novels: a coming of age tale The Scarecrow (1963), Came a Hot Friday (1964), Predicament (published in 1975) and his only contemporary novel Pallet on the Floor (1976). All have been adapted for the cinema, the only New Zealand writer to have acquired this achievement.  Two short stories were published posthumously, in 1974; Cross My Heart and Cut My Throat and The Chimney.

Further information about the Judges can be found here: 2022 Judges - South Taranaki District Council.