A groundbreaking new award dedicated to speculative fiction by Aotearoa and Pasifika creatives, the Te Pae Tawhiti Awards, is set to open for submissions this July-August. This exciting initiative aims to spotlight the rich and diverse speculative fiction talent in Aotearoa.

Speculative fiction — encompassing science fiction, fantasy, and other imaginative storytelling— has a vibrant but under-recognised community in New Zealand and the Pacific Islands. According to a 2023 survey, over 100 speculative fiction writers are active locally, yet most readers struggle to name even one. The Te Pae Tawhiti Awards will provide vital exposure for these authors, helping elevate their profiles both at home and abroad.

'We are thrilled to announce this award for speculative fiction, which will be vital for our creative literary scene here in New Zealand,' said Sharon Manssen, President of SpecFicNZ. 'Readers are often surprised at how many New Zealand authors write speculative fiction. Lack of awareness is a major issue, and these awards seek to change that. Making speculative fiction accessible and celebrated among young readers and mainstream audiences is core to our mission.'

The awards will not only enrich the literary landscape but also provide authors opportunities to reach wider audiences, boost their careers, and foster a thriving community. Jade Kake, a cultural commentator and creative, explains the awards’ name: 'Te pae tawhiti means a distant horizon — a metaphor for aiming high and imagining futures just beyond reach. It perfectly captures the spirit of speculative fiction. It reflects the genre’s essence of imagining possible futures and worlds. It also speaks to the boundless potential and limitless imagination of our writers.'

Supported by Creative New Zealand, Copyright Licensing New Zealand, and private sponsors, the awards seek to enrich the literary landscape by showcasing diverse voices — including those from rainbow, neurodivergent, and cultural minority communities.

New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh praised the initiative, saying, 'Awards play a critical role in uplifting new voices and stories that break boundaries. With support, Te Pae Tawhiti could become the South Pacific cousin to storied awards like the Hugo and Arthur C. Clarke.'

Literary commentator and founder of the Ngaio Awards for crime and thrillers, Craig Sisterson, called the awards 'a wonderful initiative' that will help develop this vital slice of New Zealand’s literary landscape, while Melanie Laville-Moore of the Coalition of New Zealand Books affirmed, 'Speculative fiction writers from Aotearoa are amongst the best in the world. These awards are overdue and necessary recognition.'

An inaugural gala awards evening is planned for June-July 2026, promising to become a highlight of the country’s literary calendar.

Find out more on the Te Pae Tawhiti website, including a call for judges.