Professional awards
Best Novel
The Book of Guilt, Catherine Chidgey
Identical, Vanessa Di Gianni, self-released
A Baker’s Coven, Aaron Dick
The Outsiders of Orkland, Kenneth Feller
Solstice and Silver Spray, Melissa Gunn, Rose Kowhai Productions
The Seven Miracles of Beatrix Holland, Rachael Herron
Treble Death, K.M Jackways
The Deadly Life of Diana Penn, by Steven Inmon and Kirsten McKenzie, Squabbling Sparrows Press
How to Find a Nameless Fae, A.J. Lancaster, Camberion Press
Pseudomorph, by W L Luxton, Cockle Bay Creative
The Vampires of York Tower, Kirsten McKenzie, Squabbling Sparrows Press
Small Magics for the Travelling Wizard, S.A. McKenzie, Cloaked Press
The Amber Owl, Juliet Marillier New Dawn Publishing
Dancing in the Purple Rain, Judy L. Mohr, Black Wolf Publications
Vividwater, Jacqueline Owen, Four Elements Press
A Far Better Thing, by H.G. Parry, Tor
The Dragon Transport & Pacification Society, A.J. Ponder, Phantom Feather Press
Blade of the Wanderer, Steven Raaymakers
On the Way to Maracanda, I. Ribbon
Ghosts of the Monarchy, Janna Ruth
A Memory of Empire, David Stone
Youth Novel
Jupiter Drake – Talisman, by Marc Meaney, Spin Shift
Wyld Witch Weather, by Janna Ruth
Truth Needs No Colour, by Heather McQuillan, Cloud Ink Press
Thunder Snow , by Melissa Gunn, Rose Kowhai Productions
The Lost Saint , by Rachel Craw, Allen and Unwin
The Edge of Light: The Miracle, by A. M. Dixon, One Tree House
Tales Through the Cat Door, by Belinda O’Keefe, Bateman Books
Kings of This World, by Elizabeth Knox, Allen & Unwin
Dreamslinger, Graci Kim, Penguin
Cobalt Dragon , by Eileen Mueller, Phantom Feather Press
Lone Fighter Blue, by A.J. Woolf, Oblivion Press
Puzzles and Pearls, by Sue Carpenter, Bateman Books
Novella/Novelette
The Baker’s Son’s Iced Buns G.B. Ralph Many Talented Authors
Spellcasting On Andi R Christopher Sleepy Squid Press
Grimoires and Green Tea Melissa Gunn Rose Kowhai Productions
A Date with the Devil A.J.S. Imms North Shore Press
Best Collected Work
The Emotion Dealer and Other Works, Jack Remiel Cottrell , Canterbury University Press
The Knight Witch and Other Epic Poems, S.Jayne Bradley, Rookery Publishing
Imploding Imagination, Armageddon Authors, published byKate Haley
Omens, Aaron Dick
Unexpected Guests, North Shore Writers Group Anthology, North Shore Press
Short story
“Truth & Reconciliation”, by Michael Botur Gingernuts of Horror
“Zeal for the Lord,” S. Jayne Bradley in Unexpected Guests, Northshore Writers Anthology,
“How to Dispose of a Dead Albatross,” by Octavia Cade Strange Horizons
“The Barrens,” byOctavia Cade 3-lobed Burning Eye
“No one Will Notice,” by Nicola Dickinson in Unexpected Guests, Northshore Writers Anthology,
Anthology“The Last Square Foot,” by Xi Fang, Clerestory Press
“The Five Towers,” by J.M. Goldie, Massive Crush Press
“A Waitakere Werewolf,” by Melissa Gunn, in Tales in the Waitakere Ranges, Auckland Writers
“Descendant,” by Lee Hana Dark Mountain
“The Fairytale of New Æthelstan,” byA.J.S. Imms, in Unexpected Guests, Northshore Writers Anthology,
“Have a Nice Death,” by Brandon Keaton, f(r)iction magazine
“Miner Difficulties,” by Brandon Keaton, in Tide Anthology, Michael Terrence Publishing
“Winter Break,” by Elaine M. King in Unexpected Guests, Northshore Writers Anthology,
“When the Dust Settles,” by Pippa Langridge, in Unexpected Guests, Northshore Writers Anthology
“Looking Glass,” by Lia Lao, Saros Speculative Fiction
“How to Fail at Booksmuggling (Across Several Timelines at Once),” by E.M. Linden, Trans Lunar Travellers Lodge
“The Tawlish Island Songbook of the Dead,“ by E.M. Linden, Podcastle
“Sonya the Vampire Hunter,” by Christopher McKinstry, in Unexpected Guests, Northshore Writers Anthology
“The Light Bearers,” by Sharron Martin, in Unexpected Guests, Northshore Writers Anthology
“The Cloth Wall,” by James Rowland Aurealis Issue #180
“The Loch Langaig Connection,” by James Rowland, Bauble from Bones – Issue 5, Summer 2025
“The Wylde Woods,” by Rosie Stirling, Many Talented Authors
“Hound of Annwn,” by Rem Wigmore, Plott Hound
“Spareskin,” by Tehnuka, Electric Literature
“The Cold Burns,” by Anne Wilkins, Clarkesworld
Best Artwork
Pride and Prejudice and Mice, by Kura Jane Carpenter, Forever Classic Press
Grimoires and Green Tea, by Melissa Gunn
Dancing in the Purple Rain, by E.L. Julian, Black Wolf Publication
Unexpected Guests, by ArtisticCustard, North Shore Writers Group Anthology, North Shore Press
Best Production/Publication
Toroa: Skycall Atawhai Interactive
Dominion, Vol. 1 Memoh. Memoh.Comics
Best Dramatic Presentation
Warren’s Vortex Kitchen Table Productions (WV) Limited TVNZ
Best New Talent
Judy L. Mohr
Anne WIlkins
Fan Awards
Fan Writing
Alex Lindsay
Services to Fandom
Fantasizers
I wish to nominate the Fantasizers Festival for a 2026 Sir Julius Vogel Award. This unique annual event has been running in Christchurch since 2024, attracting attendees from all over New Zealand and also overseas. The festival very much believes in setting the bar consistently high with the production quality of its events and entertainments, as testified by its many returning attendees.
Much of the year is spent in preparations by Carl Yates and a passionate and dedicated team ( the organizing committee ) to bring to life this three-day festival celebrating and showcasing imaginative and spectacular costumes. It features a series of elaborately themed events at the Riccarton Raceway Convention Venue, often culminating in a final twilight gathering hosted at the illuminated Christchurch Christmas village.
Much attention is given to transforming the venues into elaborate and vibrant worlds embodying the varying fantasy, science fiction, steam punk, gothic, horror and whimsical themes. Incredible steampunk and fantasy props adorn the grounds and inside the venue. There are also beautifully decorated photo walls, creative lighting and professional entertainers and photographers.
One of the events features a large renaissance-style market and fair featuring a wide range of authentically crafted goods and costumes, as well as various exhibits and forms of entertainment. It is open to all members of the public, many of whom come dressed-up ( eg cosplay, gothic, fantasy, science fiction, classic fashion styles ) for a very nominal fee. There is a strong medieval presence with a small village of decorated tents, distinctive medieval characters, delightful dancers and even the spectacle of live combat. A very family-friendly occasion with live music, pony rides, colourful dancers, interactive games of skill, costume parades and other fun activities.
As described in their online ( Cog and Compass ) webpages “ The Fantasizers Festival was born from a shared dream : to create a vibrant, inclusive space where creativity knows no bounds. This unique event celebrates self-expression through fashion, fantasy and imagination – where Steampunk, Gothic, Medieval, Cosplay, Period and Pinup styles are not just welcomed, but celebrated as the norm. This is more than a festival – it is a gathering of kindred spirits. A place where people of all ages, genders, abilities, and cultural backgrounds come together to showcase their artistry, passion and individuality.”
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Nomination for the Services to Fandom Award – Fantasizers Festival, Carl Yates & the committee
I am proud to nominate Fantasizers Festival, Carl Yates & the committee for the Services to Fandom Award. Together, they have created and nurtured one of the most vibrant, welcoming, and creatively inspiring spaces within the steampunk community and beyond. Their contribution goes far beyond hosting an event; they have built a home for imagination, friendship, and shared passion.
Fantasizers Festival is more than a weekend of activities—it is a celebration of creativity in all its forms. Through performances, markets, panels, and social gatherings, the festival encourages people to explore their artistic side, try new things, and connect with others who share their love of storytelling, costume‑making, crafting, and world‑building. It has become a cherished annual highlight for many, offering a space where newcomers feel welcomed and long‑time fans feel valued.
At the heart of this success is Carl Yates & the committee, whose dedication, vision, and generosity have shaped the festival into the supportive community it is today. Carl has consistently championed inclusivity, ensuring that everyone—regardless of experience, background, or creative style—feels they have a place. His leadership is grounded in kindness, patience, and a genuine belief in the power of fandom to bring people together.
Carl’s work extends far beyond event organisation. He encourages collaboration, mentors emerging creators, and fosters an environment where people feel confident to express themselves. His ability to bring people together has strengthened friendships, sparked new creative partnerships, and helped many individuals find a sense of belonging. The warmth and camaraderie that define the festival are a direct reflection of his values.
The combined impact of Fantasizers Festival and Carl Yates has been transformative for the community. They have created a space where creativity thrives, where support is freely given, and where people leave feeling inspired, uplifted, and connected. Their contribution to fandom is not only significant—it is deeply heartfelt.
For their unwavering commitment to creativity, community, and the spirit of steampunk fandom, I wholeheartedly nominate Fantasizers Festival, Carl Yates & the committee for the Services to Fandom Award.
Services to SF/F/H
Lee Murray
I’d like to nominate Lee Murray ONZM for Services to Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror. Lee’s speculative works include 12 novels, 6 novellas, 2 fiction collections, 25 anthologies, 3 poetry collections, 3 non-fiction works, 1 feature film, and close to 100 short stories. One of our most visible writers on the world stage, she is a five-time Bram Stoker Award winner and twelve-time nominee, New Zealand’s only Shirley Jackson Award-winner, a five-time Australian Shadows Award winner, and a 13-time Sir Julius Vogel Award winner. She has also been shortlisted for the British Fantasy, Locus, Elgin, Rhysling, and Pushcart Awards.
Lee has championed and built the Asian diaspora horror community, creating a vital new subgenre. Through the HWA Wellness committee, she drives an international movement toward accurate, sensitive portrayals of mental illness in speculative fiction. A fierce proponent of Kiwi horror, she has connected New Zealand writers with agents, publishers, and festival organizers, mentored emerging voices, and championed local projects like Remains to be Told.
In 2025 alone, she introduced 2,000 high school students to speculative fiction at the Auckland Writers Festival; judged the World Fantasy Awards (only the second New Zealander to do so); and served on five additional award juries.
A life member of SpecFicNZ, founding member of Te Pae Tawhiti Awards, and Honorary Fellow of the New Zealand Society of Authors, Lee holds a Prime Minister’s Award for Literary Achievement and a royal honor for her services to the genre. Above all, she is known for two decades of mentorship, generously sharing her expertise with emerging writers.