Finalists announced for 2026 Ronald Hugh Morrieson Literary Awards

The finalists for the 2026 Lysaght-Watt Trust Ronald Hugh Morrieson Literary Awards have been announced.

More than 180 entries were received across this year's five categories: Open Poetry, Secondary School Poetry, Open Short Story, Secondary School Short Story, and Secondary School True Story/Research Article.

Short Story judge Tracey Slaughter said she was impressed by the quality and variety of entries received from across Taranaki.

"Turning over and returning to each piece yielded fresh surprises and revelations, and I felt the care, craft and concentrated energy you invested in each line," says Tracey.

Poetry judge Glenn Colquhoun said the standard of entries continues to rise each year.

"I don't know whether to thank everyone who entered or moan about how hard you made my job. It is the third time I've judged this competition, and the standard of the entries only continues to rise," says Glenn.

True Story judge Matt Rilkoff praised the honesty and insight shown by entrants, describing the stories as heartfelt and engaging.

"Each piece was refreshingly honest, raw and full of astute observations and vivid descriptions. These are stories told from the heart," says Matt.

Congratulations to all 2026 finalists. Reaching the finalist stage is a significant achievement and reflects the talent and dedication of local writers.

The community is invited to attend the awards ceremony at Te Ramanui o Ruapūtahanga in Hāwera on Thursday 22 October. Doors open at 6.45pm, with the awards beginning at 7pm.

During the ceremony, judges will share insights into their categories and discuss the entries that stood out to them.

Anyone wishing to attend is asked to RSVP with the number attending to entries@stdc.govt.nz by Wednesday 14 October.

Finalists

Cole Lobban

Erana Hokopaura-Watkins

Jasmin Kemsley

Kayla Malone

Koren Millar

Lauren Kalin

Lucinda Moorby

Lucy Crowley

Maria Taylor

Marlene Beech

MB Stoneman

Pip Harrison

Stuart Greenhill