Three New Zealand writers are to receive awards for their outstanding contribution to New Zealand Literature.
Owen Marshall, Martin Edmond and Michele Leggott have won Prime Minister's Awards for Literary Achievement and been awarded $60,000, after being nominated by the public for their significant contributions to literature.
Owen Marshall, Martin Edmond and Michele Leggott. Photo: Liz March / Tim Page
Owen Marshall has won the award for fiction acknowledging his more than 30 books including novels, short stories and poetry.
Marshall was made a companion of the New Zealand order of merit for services to literature in 2012.
Michele Leggot, the winner of the award for poetry, was the National Library's first New Zealand Poet Laureate and has published seven books as well as developing the Electronic Poetry Centre in Auckland.
Martin Edmond has won the non-fiction award for writing more than eight acclaimed non-fiction books.
Fiona Farrell will also be honoured at the ceremony after winning the $100,000 Michael King writer's fellowship.
The award ceremony was being held at Premier House on Tuesday evening.
