Paula Green Honoured with 2025 Storylines Margaret Mahy Medal

Paula is a champion of children’s literature in Aotearoa New Zealand, giving outstanding service to children’s literature and literacy while bringing joy and warmth to the world of children’s reading and writing.

For almost 20 years Paula has been inspiring tamariki with her books and especially, her love of poetry. She has been active for many years with school visits, teaching creative writing, judging competitions and being involved in literary festivals.

Since 2013, through her Poetry Box blog, Paula has connected young readers with Aotearoa New Zealand books and their authors/illustrators, encouraging reading for pleasure as well as providing an invaluable resource for families and educators.

Paula has published four collections of children’s poetry and edited two children’s poetry anthologies. She has been a tireless supporter of young writers, offering them a platform to share their work and build confidence in their creative abilities.

Paula has won numerous awards including -- the Prime Minister’s Award for Literary Achievement (Poetry) in 2017 and Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to literature. She holds a PhD in Italian and was a Literary Fellow at the University of Auckland. See her profile for a full list of awards.

The Storylines Margaret Mahy Medal and Lecture will be presented to Paula Green at the 2025 Storylines Margaret Mahy National Awards Day, to be held on Sunday 6 April at the National Library of New Zealand, Parnell, Auckland. Paula will deliver the Storylines Margaret Mahy Medal Lecture, sharing her unique insights and inspiration.

This special event also celebrates the winners of the 2025 Storylines manuscript awards, bringing together authors, illustrators, and children’s literature enthusiasts for a day of connection and celebration.