Purakanui poet David Howard is joint winner of the Poetry section in the University of South Pacific Press Competition. Other winners include Albert Wendt (Overall) and Lani Wendt Young (Fiction).

The Competition is designed to launch the publishing arm of the University of the South Pacific. The stated goal of the Press is 'to publish high quality research and writing on issues related to the Pacific Islands, or the islands commonly known as Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia.'

USP Press Literature Prize for Overall Winner ($3,000): Ancestors by Albert Wendt (collection of short stories)

Fiction ($1,000): Sleepless in Samoa by Lani Wendt Young (collection of short stories)

Commendable Mention ($300): Maiden Fiji by Samantha Peckham-Togiatama (novel)

Poetry ($1,000): '14 Degrees South' by John Enright ($500) and When Things are Dirty ($500) by David Howard

Drama or Screenplay ($1,000): The Cycle by Andrew Porteus

Commendable Mention ($300): The Visitors by Larry Thomas

USP Press Non-Fiction Prize for Overall Winner ($3,000): Mystery Islands: Discovering Ancient Pacific by Tom Koppel

History/Autobiography ($1,000): My Memories of David by Ilaisaane Kakala Taumoefolau

USP Press Best Children's Book ($2,000): Killer Waves by Sereima Lumelume

Commendable Mention: Hair Raising Cut by Emma Kruse Vaai ($300)

Welcome to Our Islands by Leslie Hayashi and Lori Philips ($300)

and Friends of Joji by Nicole Daniels ($300).

The USP Press will publish the winning titles.

Congratulations to the winners and many thanks to the panel of judges and everyone who made submissions.

Professor Vilsoni Hereniko, Chair, Editorial Board of the USP Press