KEY POINTS:
The Prime Minister's literary awards today honoured three writers - a historian, a poet and a novelist.
The three writers - historian Dick Scott, poet Bill Manhire and novelist Fiona Farrell - have all been recognised in the Prime Minister's Awards for Literary Achievement, in a ceremony at Premier House in Wellington tonight.
Each received $60,000 in recognition of their significant contribution to New Zealand literature.
Prime Minister Helen Clark said each writer had added something special to New Zealand's cultural landscape through their work.
Scott is best known for his work on the Maori pacifist leader, Te Whiti. Miss Clark said his history Ask that Mountain was recognised as one of New Zealand's most influential books.
"Reprinted eight times since its publication in 1975, Ask that Mountain brought events at Parihaka into the nation's consciousness," Miss Clark said.
Wellington poet Manhire wrote with "extraordinary skill, wit and wordplay.
"He combines the special talents of being both a gifted wordsmith and in touch with his audience to produce poetry that moves us," Miss Clark said.
The Prime Minister described Farrell as an inventive and experimental author who pushed the boundaries with her writing.
"One of New Zealand's most versatile writers, Fiona Farrell's books are never the same - but always of a high quality. Her writing has the rare feature of being both witty and profound."
Historian Neville Peat, who was awarded the 2007 Creative New Zealand Michael King Writers' Fellowship earlier this year, attended the awards ceremony where his achievements were also acknowledged.
Creative New Zealand chairman Alastair Carruthers thanked the writers for the outstanding contribution they had all made to New Zealand literature.
The Prime Minister's Awards for Literary Achievement, along with the Creative New Zealand Michael King Writers' Fellowship, were established in 2003.
Every year, New Zealanders are invited to nominate their choice of an outstanding writer who has made a significant contribution to New Zealand literature in the genres of non-fiction, poetry and fiction.
The nominations are assessed by an expert literary panel and recommendations forwarded to the Council of Creative New Zealand for approval.
Previous winners include Patricia Grace, Vincent O'Sullivan, Margaret Mahy and Alistair Te Ariki Campbell.
- NZPA
