RHM Awards finalists named

Finalists for the 2018 Ronald Hugh Morrieson Literary Awards have been announced.

Awards organiser Pam Jones said another jump in entry numbers showed the value of keeping the local competition alive.

‘‘A large proportion of entrants have never entered the competition before so new writers continue to emerge. This brings fresh views and voices to the rich collection of local stories about life in our community,’’ she said.

A category that took the biggest jump was the research article with 23 entries, compared to 7 in 2017. Judge Matt Rilkoff,

Stuff Taranaki Regional Editor, said the subject was one that all young people could relate to, as it asked them to discuss the ways small town New Zealand has changed due to technology.

‘‘This year’s articles covered all manner of issues to do with technology, from the doctors treating Pātea patients over the internet, to whether cellphones are good or bad (the jury is out) to how farming has been changed by advances in tech,’’ he said.

Everyone is invited to attend the awards ceremony at the TSB Hub, Waihī Rd, at 7pm on October 24. RSVP with numbers to contact@stdc.govt.nz by October 22.

Awards finalists: Maria Cunningham, New Plymouth; Alyx Devlin, Eltham; Bruce Finer, Hāwera; Sasha Finer, Hāwera High School; Stuart Greenhill, Stratford; Maia-Lane Rupapera Maeke, St Mary’s Diocesan School; Lexi McQuaig, Opunake High School; Alex Paish, St Mary’s Diocesan School; Darly Paraha, Hāwera; Chris Purdon, Hāwera; Monique Radford, St Mary’s Diocesan School; Holly Stewart, Hāwera; Michaela Stoneman, Pātea.