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Three of New Zealand's most celebrated writers, W. H. (Bill) Oliver, Lloyd Jones and Elizabeth Smither, were honoured last night with the 2008 Prime Minister's Awards for Literary Achievement.
Each writer receives $60,000 in recognition of his or her significant contribution to New Zealand literature. The awards are administered by Creative New Zealand.
Smither was recognised for her poetry, Jones for his fiction and Oliver for his non-fiction.
Prime Minister Helen Clark said the trio had all added something special to New Zealand's cultural landscape through their work.
"These awards were created to recognise those who have made an enduring contribution to literature in New Zealand.
"Their work reflects the nuances and subtleties of what it is to be a New Zealand writer."
Writer Dame Fiona Kidman was awarded the Creative New Zealand Michael King Writers' Fellowship this year.
The awards, with the Creative NZ Michael King Writers' Fellowship, were established in 2003.
- NZPA
