HistoryWorks Director Dr Vincent O’Malley has received the prestigious Prime Minister’s Award for Literary Achievement in Non-Fiction for 2022.
Dr O’Malley’s landmark book on the Waikato War, The Great War for New Zealand: Waikato 1800–2000, was published to acclaim in 2016. Spanning nearly two centuries from first contact through to settlement and apology, this remarkable and best-selling history focuses on the human impact of the war in the Waikato, its origins and aftermath. It was followed in 2019 by The New Zealand Wars / Ngā Pakanga o Aotearoa, that provides a highly accessible introduction to the causes, events and consequences of the New Zealand Wars.
At the 2022 Ockham NZ Book Awards, Dr O’Malley won the general non-fiction category for his book Voices from the New Zealand Wars / He Reo nō ngā Pakanga o Aotearoa.
Prime Minister Rt. Hon Jacinda Ardern commented, ‘Every year I’m delighted to have the opportunity to honour the incredible contribution of three of our most talented writers. Congratulations to Stephanie Johnson, James Norcliffe and Vincent O’Malley. The awards recognise not only their literary achievements, but also the significant impact their work has had on the cultural landscape of Aotearoa.’
Arts Council Chair Caren Rangi said, ‘Warmest congratulations to Stephanie, James and Vincent. Your work across all genres has been vital in helping readers to see themselves, to advance important cultural discussions, and to bring moments of joy, humour and beauty.’
Vincent O’Malley is a founding partner of HistoryWorks, a group of historians specialising in Treaty of Waitangi research. His other publications include Beyond the Imperial Frontier: The Contest for Colonial New Zealand and BWB Texts titles Haerenga and, most recently, Fragments from a Contested Past: Remembrance, Denial and New Zealand History co-authored with Joanna Kidman, Liana MacDonald, Tom Roa and Keziah Wallis.
Members of the public will get the chance to enjoy readings and discussions from the winners in an online event in February. More details to come.