Prizes · New Zealand

Catherine Chidgey named 2026 Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi Laureate

The honour for her contribution to literature comes as her tenth novel, The Starving Bride, reaches readers in Aotearoa and Australia.

By The Book Source23 October 20261 minute read

Novelist Catherine Chidgey has been named a 2026 Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi Laureate in recognition of her contribution to literature. Writers cannot apply for the award; laureates are selected by a panel.

The selection panel described Chidgey as one of the country's most important living writers. Te Herenga Waka University Press, which has published her since her 1998 debut In a Fishbone Church, praised the intelligence, originality and ambition of her work.

The award arrives as Chidgey's tenth novel, The Starving Bride, came out in Aotearoa and Australia about a fortnight earlier. UK, US and Canadian editions are due in January 2027.

Chidgey said the honour felt like a vote of confidence and a reminder to keep going. She also teaches creative writing at the University of Waikato, where she is an associate professor.

Original source: Kete Books ↗

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