NZSA Lilian Ida Smith Award – Recipient Announced!

11 December 2015

NZSA Lilian Ida Smith Award – Recipient Announced!

We are delighted to announce the winner of the NZSA Lilian Ida Smith Award 2015 is Auckland writer Caroline Barron.

With 73 entries for this award, the selection panel had a tough time deciding on a winner. The range and quality of the work submitted was impressive. Entries covered a broad range including novels, writing for children and young adults, poetry, drama, non-fiction and self-help books. Crime fiction, science fiction and fantasy were well represented.

Caroline Barron started writing at age 37 and completed her first manuscript this year. She is thrilled to be the 2015 recipient of the NZSA Lilian Ida Award, saying "The award is, firstly, a well-timed confidence-boost in this early stage of my writing career. Secondly, it is of immense practical assistance for the year ahead: I plan to use the grant for childcare allowing me time to write my second book, and for professional advice on the manuscript. My heartfelt thanks to Lilian Ida Smith for the bequest, the selection panel and NZSA for this award."

The selection panel have Highly Commended the six shortlisted entries. Congratulations to Elizabeth Baikie, Catherine Clarke, Moyra Cooke, Helen Tau’au Filisi, Louise Maich, and Gerard James Smith on achieving a Highly Commended for the NZSA Lilian Ida Smith Award 2015.

Past recipients include Sue Orr, Rachael King, Bill Manhire, Lauris Edmond, Owen Marshall and Graeme Lay. Once again congratulations to NZSA Lilian Ida Smith Award 2015 recipient Caroline Barron!

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