Here are the best short stories as and novel extracts from the Pikihuia Awards for Maori Writers 2009, as judged by David Geary, Julian Wilcox and Briar Grace-Smith. For over ten years the Maori Literature Trust and Huia Publishers have been organising this unique and increasingly popular biennial writing competition, producing award-winning Maori writers. The awards and their subsequent publications have become well-known and much-anticipated as they bring more undiscovered gems to the attention of the New Zealand reading public. Past winners and finalists include James George, Briar Grace-Smith, Isabel Waiti-Mulholland, Kelly Ana Morey and Paula Morris.

Jacquie McRae — Rob Tuwhare — Ann French — Puna Heremaia — Raschel-Miette — Glenis Philip-Barbara — Robert Madden — Kim Torrez — Wendy French — Whai Conroy — K-T Harrison — Justine Murray — Charlie Holland — Kelly Joseph — Piripi Evans — Tina Makereti — Peter Waaka — Paul Gilbert — Marama Salsano — Rawinia Parata.

The authors are Whai Conroy, Piripi Evans, Ann French, Wendy French, Paul Gilbert, K-T Harrison, Puna Heremaia, Charlie Holland, Kelly Joseph, Robert Madden, Tina Makereti, Jacquie McRae, Justine Murray, M?rehu Nikora, Rawinia Parata, Glenis Philip-Barbara, Charisma Rangipunga, Raschel-Miette, Michael Ross, Ruihapounamu Ruwhiu, Marama Salsano, Kim Torrez, Rob Tuwhare and Peter Waaka