Six promising writers have been chosen by Huia Publishers to be part of a mentoring program.
Photo: 123rf
Te Papa Tupu is a Māori literature trust supported by Huia Publishers and Creative New Zealand to foster emerging Māori writers. Each year six writers are selected to enter a mentoring program to support them in a writing project.
"The quality of the submissions was high," competition judge Whiti Hereaka said. "Many of the chosen writers impressed me with their ability to build fictional worlds and tell stories from viewpoints that are seldom told."
The winning submissions included a range of genres from short story collections to young adult novels.
Another judge, Reina Whaitiri, said the program would support the writers to complete a book project.
"Te Papa Tupu will be a great opportunity for these writers to be mentored and supported while they work towards completing their manuscripts."
The chosen writers will work with mentors for six months to develop their writing.
The writers are: Shirley Simmonds, Levin; Lauren Keenan, Wellington; Stephanie Matuku, New Plymouth; Pere Durie, Papamoa; Tahlia Tini, Auckland; and Terri Tetau, Ashhurst.