Te Herenga Waka University Press author Catherine Chidgey honoured as Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi Laureate 2026

Te Herenga Waka University Press warmly congratulates the eight 2026 Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi Laureates, and is particularly delighted to see internationally acclaimed novelist Catherine Chidgey among them. 

The Press has published Chidgey since her debut nearly 30 years ago. The award recognises her outstanding contribution to literature.

The Laureate Selection Panel described Chidgey as “without a doubt one of New Zealand’s most important living writers”, praising her extraordinary work ethic and impeccably crafted novels, and the impact of her work in Aotearoa and beyond.

With ten novels spanning different voices, continents and time periods, Chidgey has earned widespread critical recognition and a devoted readership in New Zealand and internationally.

Te Herenga Waka University Press publisher Fergus Barrowman says the honour is richly deserved.

“I couldn’t be more pleased to see Catherine Chidgey named an Arts Foundation Laureate. We’ve had the privilege of publishing Catherine at Te Herenga Waka University Press since her debut novel In a Fishbone Church in 1998, and it has been one of the great joys of my career to watch her go from strength to strength.

'Catherine astonishes readers with the intelligence, originality and ambition of her writing,' says Barrowman.

The award comes at an exciting time for Chidgey, with her tenth novel, The Starving Bride, published in Aotearoa and Australia just a fortnight ago, ahead of its release in the UK, US and Canada in January 2027.

Professor Averil Coxhead, Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, says Catherine’s recognition is a source of great pride for the University.

'It’s wonderful to see Catherine Chidgey, an alumna of Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, receive this honour. Catherine is one of Aotearoa’s most accomplished writers, and it's particularly special that her connection with the University has continued through her long publishing relationship with Te Herenga Waka University Press.'

Te Herenga Waka University Press is also delighted by the recognition this year of Anapela Polata'ivao, who amongst her many other achievements was director of the internationally successful stage adaptions of Tusiata Avia’s Wild Dogs Under My Skirt and The Savage Coloniser Book.

Te Herenga Waka University Press is publisher to more than 20 Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi Laureates, including Emily Perkins, Elizabeth Knox, Damien Wilkins, Eleanor Catton, Tusiata Avia, and Bill Manhire.

Catherine Chidgey says being recognised as an Arts Laureate is an extraordinary gift.

'One of the things that sets this award apart is that you can’t apply for it,” she says. “You’re sitting at your desk one morning, trudging through the day’s work, and then your phone rings, and the brilliant news arrives out of the blue.'

Chidgey says the message she received from Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi co-chair Hamish Edgar was especially meaningful: 'We see what you’re doing, and we think it matters.'

'Writing is a solitary business, and the self-belief often wobbles.' The award, she says, 'feels like a vote of confidence and a generous reminder to keep going.'