The call for nominations has gone out for the 2004 Prime Minister’s Awards for Literary Achievement. Readers, writers and the general public are invited to nominate outstanding New Zealand writers in the fields of poetry, fiction (which includes the categories of novel, short story, play, children’s fiction and scriptwriting) and non-fiction.

The inaugural Awards last year were presented to Michael King for non-fiction, Janet Frame for fiction and Hone Tuwhare for poetry. Each award was worth $60,000.

Presenting the awards last October, Prime Minister Helen Clark said, “Our writers have a key role to play in the way in which we develop our identity. Their gifts define and enrich our country, and its heritage and culture.”

You can download the nomination forms or pick one up from any branch of Creative New Zealand. Alternatively, you can contact Danielle Tolson at Creative New Zealand (daniellet@creativenz.govt.nz or phone 04-473 0184) for more information.

Nominations close at 5pm, Friday 28 May 2004. They will be assessed by an expert literary panel and its recommendations will be forwarded to the Council of Creative New Zealand for approval. The Awards will be announced in late 2004.