The thirteen successful writers receive a detailed assessment of their manuscript from one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s leading writers and approved assessors, followed by a Q+A session with follow-up support. Photo/SuppliedOur congratulations to the NZSA CompleteMS 2026 recipients (left to right, top row first): Richard Jokob-Hoff (Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland), Lesley Shepherd (Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland), Lisa Slavich (Whangarei), Athena Knight (Raukawa Ashhurst), Jane Simpson (Ōtautahi Christchurch), Alwyn Dale (Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland), Amelia Reynolds (Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland), Erica Stretton (Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland), Laura Hardcastle (Porirua), Marlon Moala-Knox (Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington), Penelope Scott (Mt Maunganui), Olivia Bing (Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland), and Peter Aylward (Te Awa Kairangi ki Tai Lower Hutt). It was brilliant to see such a range of genres – horror fiction, commercial fiction, historical fiction, scifi and crime thrillers. NZSA would also like to congratulate shortlisted writers: Andy Southall, Lauren Middleton and Katrina Gardiner. The NZSA has run highly successful manuscript assessment and mentoring programmes for writers since 1999 and our programmes are supported by funding from Creative New Zealand.