Past award winners
2025
Lynn Jenner for The Gum Trees of Kerikeri, judged by Chris Tse. Shortlisted: Nicola Thorstensen, Bronte Heron, Jordan Hamel and Michelle Elvy.
2023
Jo McNeice for Blue Hour, judged by Anne Kennedy. Shortlisted: Brian Flaherty, Saradha Koirala and Wes Lee.
2021
Michael Steven for Night School, judged by David Eggleton. Shortlisted: Robyn Maree Pickens, Rebecca Hawkes, Nick Ascroft, Elizabeth Morton and C.K. Stead.
2019
Philip Armstrong for Sinking Lessons, judged by Jenny Bornholdt. Runners-up: Semira Davis, Robyn Maree Pickens, Debbie Broughton, Ben Egerton and Janet Newman.
2017
Alison Glenny for The Farewell Tourist, judged by Bill Manhire. Runners-up: Nick Ascroft, Tom McCone, Philip Armstrong and James Norcliffe.
2015
Michael Harlow for Nothing for it but to Sing, judged by Emma Neale.
2013
Siobhan Harvey for Cloudboy, judged by Jeffrey Paparoa Holman.
2011
Emma Neale for The Truth Garden, judged by Cilla McQueen.
2010
Jennifer Compton for This City, judged by Vincent O’Sullivan.
2009
Leigh Davis won posthumously for Stunning Debut of the Repairing of a Life, judged by Ian Wedde.
2008
Joanna Preston for The Summer King, judged by Fleur Adcock.