The judging panel for the Montana New Zealand Book Awards 2006 has been announced.

Two writers and a publisher make up the panel, and they're supported by eight category advisors and one Te Reo advisor.

The convenor is Lawrence Jones, Emeritus Professor at the University of Otago, and writer, editor and reviewer for numerous New Zealand literary journals.

Jones is joined by Linda Burgess, a Wellington-based novelist, scriptwriter and teacher of creative writing, and Aucklander Bob Ross, a publisher and advocate for New Zealand books.

This year’s advisors also boast strong writing and publishing credentials:

Fiction David Eggleton, a respected writer, poet, arts critic and film-maker from Dunedin.

Poetry Elizabeth Smither, an award-winning poet, novelist and short story writer based in New Plymouth.

Biography Chris Bourke, Wellington-based writer, biographer and producer of Radio New Zealand’s Saturday Morning programme.

History Rachel Barrowman, an award-winning writer and freelance historian from Wellington, with a particular interest in New Zealand cultural and intellectual history.

Reference & Anthology David Elworthy, a long-time publisher, who formed and managed Shoal Bay Press in Christchurch until his recent retirement.

Lifestyle & Contemporary Culture Scott Ashton, a part-time freelance journalist with a background in corporate communications and sponsorship. He heads the commercial team of the Auckland Museum.

Environment Janet Hunt, Waiheke-based writer and graphic designer with a lifelong interest in the environment. Her book A Bird in the Hand: Keeping New Zealand Wildlife Safe was the New Zealand Post Children’s Book of the Year 2004.

Illustrative Grahame Sydney, the Otago artist who has been painting full-time for more than 30 years. His book, The Art of Grahame Sydney, won the Montana Medal for Non Fiction in 2000.

Te Reo Advisor Patu Hohepa of Ngapuhi, Te Atiawa, currently the Maori Language Commissioner and member of Te Waka Toi (the M?ori culture and heritage board).

The finalists across all categories will be announced on Friday 2 June and the winners on Monday 24 July 2006.