Christchurch City Libraries lists literary prize winners and links to catalogue searches, but we may not hold copies of all titles mentioned. See more kids literary prize winners.
The Storylines Margaret Mahy Medal and Lecture Award was first presented in 1991 to Margaret Mahy in recognition of her contribution to the world of literature for children and young adults. Surprising Moments, her inaugural lecture, set the standard for those given by subsequent award-winners.
These published lectures by the champions of the New Zealand children’s literature community have enriched New Zealand’s literary heritage with their insight into the experiences, ideas, issues and concerns involved in writing and/or illustrating for children, improving literacy, and ensuring access to quality literature.
The award carries a monetary prize of $2000 and is presented annually to a person for their lifetime achievement and significant contribution to the broad field of children’s literature and literacy. This includes writing, illustration, publishing and academic fields. The address is published on the Storylines website immediately after the award presentation.
Recipients of the Margaret Mahy Medal are:
2024
Elizabeth Jones Librarian and childrens' literacy advocate.
2023
James Norcliffe, Christchurch teacher, poet and author. Lecture text published as Irksome Confections: A defence of fantasy.
2022
Diana Noonan, Children's author and former editor of the School Journal. Lecture text published as Feeling My Way.
2021
Julia Marshall, publisher who started Gecko Press in 2005. Lecture text published as It takes a village to raise a reader.
2020
Maria Gill, multi-award-winning non-fiction author. Lecture text published online.
2019
Mandy Hager
, young adult fiction writer. She has also written fiction and non-fiction for younger children, as well as film scripts and educational programmes. Lecture text published as Channelling our greater good.
2018
Janice Marriott, children’s author, screenwriter, mentor, audio producer, editor and teacher: lecture text published as The Word Witch's Gift.
2017
Des Hunt is the author of more than 20 acclaimed children’s and young adult novels, most set in New Zealand with strong environment and science themes.
2016
Barbara Else, award-winning Wellington writer and literary agent: lecture text published as Making it up as I go along, or Finding the Cornerstones of Creativity
2015
Jill Eggleton; text published as Everyone Has a Story
2014
David Elliott, author and illustrator. When the Bowsprit Get Mixed with the Rudder. The 2014 Margaret Mahy Award Lecture.
2013
Bill Nagelkerke, author, (former) librarian and international children’s literature judge. The Sorcerer's Apprentice. The 2013 Margaret Mahy Award Lecture.
2012
Fleur Beale, writer. For her outstanding contribution to New Zealand writing for children and young adults
. Where do ideas come from? The 2012 Margaret Mahy Award Lecture.
2011
Kate De Goldi, writer, publisher and broadcaster. For her versatility, creative use of language and reputation as a fine public speaker
. Legends of the swamp: The 2011 Margaret Mahy Award Lecture.
2010
Barbara Larson, publisher. For her continuing personal commitment to publishing high quality novels for teenagers
. Grazing the longacre: The 2010 Margaret Mahy Award Lecture (published in The inside story: year book 2010).
2009
Andrew Crowe, writer, photographer. The first non-fiction writer to win this award, Andrew Crowe is a natural history writer and photographer. Creative non-fiction: The 2009 Margaret Mahy Award Lecture (published in The inside story: year book 2009).
2008
Wayne Mills, lecturer, initiator of children’s literature quizzes in New Zealand and internationally. Reading aloud is allowed: The 2008 Margaret Mahy Award Lecture (published in The inside story: year book 2008).
2007
Ken Catran, writer. Teen literature: demons old and new. The 2007 Margaret Mahy Award Lecture (published in The inside story: year book 2007).
2006
Robyn Belton, illustrator. Gathering images: the stories behind the pictures. The 2006 Margaret Mahy Award Lecture (published in The inside story: year book 2006).
2005
David Hill, writer. By the book: The 2005 Margaret Mahy Award Lecture (published in The inside story: year book 2005, Storylines).
2004
Pamela Allen, writer, illustrator. My picture books: The 2004 Margaret Mahy Award Lecture (published in The inside story: year book 2004).
2003
Jack Lasenby, writer. Changes and origins: The 2003 Margaret Mahy Award Lecture (published in The inside story: year book 2003).
2002
Maurice Gee, writer. Creeks and kitchens: The 2002 Margaret Mahy Award Lecture (published in The inside story: year book 2002).
2001
Sherryl Jordan, writer. Journeys of the heart: The 2001 Margaret Mahy Award Lecture (published in The inside story: year book 2001).
2000
Gavin Bishop, writer, illustrator. Kia ora, Professor Cole: The 2000 Margaret Mahy Award Lecture (published in The inside story: year book 2000).
1999
Lynley Dodd, author and illustrator. Writing the pictures and painting the words: The 1999 Margaret Mahy Award Lecture (published in The inside story, year book 1999).
1998
William Taylor, writer, reviewer. A strange way for an adult male to be making a living! The 1998 Margaret Mahy Award Lecture (published in New Zealand Children’s Book Foundation Year Book, 1998).
1997
Ann Mallinson, publisher (Mallinson Rendel). From a trickle to a river: the 1997 Margaret Mahy Award Lecture (published in New Zealand Children’s Book Foundation Year Book, 1997).
1996
Tessa Duder, writer and reviewer. Learning to swim in the deep: the 1996 Margaret Mahy Award Lecture (published in New Zealand Children’s Book Foundation Year Book, 1996).
1995
Elsie Locke, author and ardent advocate for New Zealand children’s literature. You must do it better: the 1995 Margaret Mahy Award Lecture (published in New Zealand Children’s Book Foundation Year Book, 1996).
1994
Betty Gilderdale, author, reviewer and lecturer. Some cautionary tales: The 1994 Margaret Mahy Award Lecture (published in New Zealand Children’s Book Foundation Year Book, 1997).
1993
Joy Cowley, writer and lecturer. Influences: the 1993 Margaret Mahy Award Lecture, NZ Children’s Book Foundation, 1993.
1992
Dorothy Butler, author, bookseller, reviewer, lecturer and authority on children’s books. Telling tales: the 1992 Margaret Mahy Award Lecture, NZ Children’s Book Foundation, 1993.
1991
Margaret Mahy, writer and speaker. Surprising moments: the inaugural Margaret Mahy Award Lecture, NZ Children’s Book Foundation, 1991.
