WELLINGTON, New Zealand – Ingrid Horrocks' win of the Jann Medlicott Acorn prize at the 2026 Ockham New Zealand book awards for her short story collection, All Her Lives, is a victory for feminist literature and a testament to the power of stories centered on women's experiences. The prestigious award, accompanied by a NZ$65,000 prize, recognizes Horrocks' nuanced exploration of gender, politics, and motherhood across generations.

All Her Lives, Horrocks' debut fiction collection, breaks from the historical dominance of novels in literary awards, marking only the fifth time a short story collection has claimed the top prize in the Ockham's 58-year history. This win signals a potential shift towards recognizing the value of diverse voices and forms in New Zealand literature.

The collection follows nine women navigating various life stages, delving into the complexities of their identities within shifting social and political landscapes. From rural New Zealand after World War I to the anti-Springbok tour protests, Horrocks' stories highlight the intersectional challenges women face across time and cultures. The inclusion of Mary Wollstonecraft underscores the enduring relevance of feminist thought.

Horrocks’ win, lauded by fiction judge Craig Cliff for its “crisp, clear and unencumbered” approach to gender and sexuality, is especially significant in a literary landscape that has historically privileged male narratives. International guest judge Leslie Hurtig praised the range of women's experiences represented, noting their ability to transcend boundaries.

In her acceptance speech, Horrocks expressed hope that the award will encourage more people to read her book and provide impetus for further exploration of women's lives through fiction. This sentiment resonates with the broader movement towards amplifying marginalized voices and creating space for diverse narratives in literature.

The recognition of other first-time authors, including former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern for her memoir A Different Kind of Power, and Samoa-born poet Nafanua Purcell Kersel for Black Sugarcane, further underscores the Ockham awards' commitment to inclusivity. These awards serve as a platform for writers from diverse backgrounds to share their unique perspectives and contribute to a richer, more representative literary landscape.