Kevin Ireland, Anne Salmond (pictured) and Maurice Gee have been honoured in the 2004 Prime Minister’s Awards for Literary Achievement.

The annual awards recognise New Zealand writers who have made an outstanding contribution to literature. In this case, it's Ireland for poetry, Salmond for non-fiction and Gee for fiction.

Prime Minister (and Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage) Helen Clark said

Anne Salmond has a remarkable reputation as a scholar and a storyteller. Her contribution to enhancing Päkeha knowledge of Mäori is immense. Maurice Gee is simply the doyen of living New Zealand novelists and his record is second to none. Kevin Ireland is one of our finest poets with numerous awards for his writing and is also a leader within New Zealand’s writing community.

Quite. The awards are run in association with Creative New Zealand, and were held last night in the Grand Hall of Parliament Buildings.

NB: Creative New Zealand has revamped its web site with a fresh new look that works well. Check it out here.