Maria Wickens Earns Second Place in Sargeson Prize with Unique Story

Maria Wickens has secured second place in the prestigious Sargeson Prize for her captivating story titled “My Pal Mal.” The award, announced in March 2025, recognizes outstanding contributions to contemporary literature, and Wickens’ narrative has drawn considerable attention for its originality and emotional depth.

The Sargeson Prize is organized annually by ReadingRoom in partnership with the University of Waikato, offering a platform for both established and emerging writers. This year, Wickens’ work stood out among a competitive field, earning praise from the distinguished judge, Elizabeth Knox. Knox expressed her initial bewilderment while reading “My Pal Mal,” stating, “When I began reading it for the first time, I was, for a number of paragraphs, a bit bewildered and even a bit dubious about what I thought it might be trying to do. Then I thought ‘jeepers!’ and ‘wow!’ and the hair went up on the back of my neck.”

Wickens’ piece is described as strange, funny, and poetic, balancing substantial themes with a lightness that resonates with readers. The narrative explores profound experiences of trauma, memory, and the complexities of human emotions through vivid imagery and unique metaphors, such as the recurring motif of frogs.

In addition to Wickens, the competition also highlighted other talented writers. Becky Manawatu took home the first prize of $15,000 for her story “The Vase,” while Brooke Smith, a Year 13 student from Waiuku College, won the secondary schools division with “Piece of the Furniture,” receiving a prize of $2,000. Smith’s work garnered acclaim for its sensitivity and lyrical quality, with readers encouraging her to continue her writing journey.

Feedback on Smith’s story was overwhelmingly positive. One reader, Margaret Mills, remarked on her exceptional talent, stating, “Brooke, you write with a sensitivity and lyricism way beyond your years. Keep it up and you will be ranked among our greatest writers.” Similarly, Pip Field expressed excitement about Smith’s potential, urging her to persevere in her craft.

The Sargeson Prize also featured third place winner Kate Duignan, whose story “Orange Warning” is set to be published next week. Literary editor Steve Braunias has praised Duignan’s work, expressing it as his personal favorite among the entries.

The Sargeson Prize continues to be a vital component of the literary landscape, fostering creativity and encouraging diverse voices in writing. With the success of Wickens and other awardees, the future of literature in the region appears bright and promising.