SJV Awards Celebration in Christchurch

On Saturday afternoon, the Christchurch writing and reading community gathered for an event, jointly hosted by SpecFicNZ and Fendalton Library, to celebrate our Sir Julius Vogel Award finalists and winners.

Beautiful Display set up by graphic designer Peter Fitzpatrick
Beautiful display set up by graphic designer Peter Fitzpatrick greeted guests on their way in
Beaulah greets our guests
Beaulah opens the event with a warm welcome on behalf of SpecFicNZ and Christchurch City Libraries

The room was full, the catering was delicious, and energy was high as we settled into the proceedings for the afternoon. After a brief introduction, we launched into a lovely keynote speech by Helen Lowe about the importance of awards – more so now than ever, given the drop in support from major institutions over the last year.

Helen Lowe gives a keynote address
Helen Lowe gives a keynote address

We then introduced our finalists:

  • Shelley Chappell (Finalist: Best Novella, Best Collected Work, Best New Talent)
  • Tim Stead (Finalist: Best Novel, Best New Talent)
Finalist: Shelley Chappel
Finalist: Shelley Chappel
Finalist: Tim Stead
Finalist: Tim Stead

And award winners:

Best Fan Writing Winner: Rebecca Fisher
Best Fan Writing Winner: Rebecca Fisher
Best New Talent Winner: Amanda Fitzwater
Best New Talent Winner: Amanda Fitzwater

And we wrapped up with a vote of thanks from SpecFicNZ committee member, Chris Yee.

SpecFicNZ Committee Member: Chris Yee
SpecFicNZ Committee Member: Chris Yee
Guests and award winners converse after the event
Guests and award winners converse after the event

The event was a wonderful opportunity for spec fic lovers to come together and celebrate our own. We are hugely grateful to the Christchurch City Libraries for their venue and support.

Note for organisers of other chapters of SpecFicNZ: did you know you can apply for funding from the Core Committee to put on an event? Email us at [email protected] to enquire.

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