Finalists announced for 2025 Ronald Hugh Morrieson Literary Awards

Finalists for the 2025 Lysaght-Watt Trust Ronald Hugh Morrieson Literary Awards have been announced.

This year saw another strong response, with entries flowing in across all five categories: Poetry (Open and Secondary School), Short Story (Open and Secondary School), and True Story – Research Article (Secondary School only).

Short Story judge Tania Roxborogh said she was struck by the range of voices and the way Taranaki itself came alive in the writing.

“Some of the stories were of big events told quietly, others of quiet events told in orchestral notes. Time and again I was reminded of the power of story to capture the spirit of Taranaki.”

Poetry judge Melinda Szymanik highlighted how the poems created a mosaic of life in the region.

“The poems spoke of the domestic and romantic, of existential struggles, and environmental and social concerns… each of the poems felt like a piece in a jigsaw that once read, created a complete picture of Taranaki.”

True Story judge Matt Rilkoff was impressed by the ambition and honesty of this year’s entries.

“Entries this year were ambitious. They tackled those big experiences – growing up, teenage years, starting life over, flighty friendships, inner demons, secrets and discoveries.”

Congratulations to all the 2025 finalists, and a heartfelt thank you to everyone who entered. Your words have once again made this competition a vibrant showcase of Taranaki voices.