Mikee Donato wins 2026 Sargeson Prize for short story 'Wilding Pines'

The Wellington writer takes $15,000 in the University of Waikato prize, which drew a record 1,519 entries.

By The Book Source5 October 20261 minute read

Wellington writer Mikee Donato has won the Open Division of the 2026 Sargeson Prize for the short story Wilding Pines, collecting $15,000. Donato placed second in the same prize in 2021.

The University of Waikato prize received a record 1,519 entries this year. Chief judge Becky Manawatu, who won in 2025, praised the story's assured voice and a structure that returns to its opening. Cait Kneller of Auckland placed second with Teal and Lorraine Carmody of Rolleston third with Alone.

In the Secondary Schools Division, 18-year-old Haelyn King of Green Bay High School won with When the Pōhutukawa Blooms. She receives $2,000 and a one-week summer writing residency at the university, including mentoring.

The winners were named at the annual Frank Sargeson Memorial Lecture. Newsroom will publish the winning stories in its ReadingRoom section.

Original source: Kete Books ↗

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