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Source: Massey University

Photo: Chris Helliwell


The latest issue of Headland, an online publication featuring the best short fiction and creative nonfiction by new and emerging writers in Aotearoa and around the world, has a very strong Massey flavour.

Not only is the June 2021 Issue 15 (the first issue published since 2018) produced in partnership with the Massey University Creative Writing Programme, the Editor-in-Chief is Massey’s Dr Thom Conroy, Senior Lecturer in creative writing.

“It’s so exciting to be a part of Headland’s relaunch with amazing new work from contributors, a fresh editorial team, a revamped and expanded website, and a partnership with Zealandia founded on ‘radical connectivity’ – a value close to our hearts,” said Dr Conroy.

Issue 15 of Headland features an interview with Massey’s creative writing lecturer Dr Laura Jean McKay, whose debut novel, The Animals in That Country won the 2021 Victorian Prize for Literature and the Victorian Premier’s Literary Award for Fiction.

To top it off, while all work for the journal is ‘read blind’, the contributors for this issue include past and current Massey creative writing students.

Alongside the new issue, in partnership with Massey’s School of Humanities, Media, and Creative Communication, and Zealandia urban ecosanctuary, Headland has introduced a new essay prize – The Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne Essay Prize is a major new prize for creative nonfiction, to be awarded in October 2021. 

“It’s fantastic to see Headland re-establishing itself after a hiatus of a few years,” said Kerry Taylor, Head of the School of Humanities, Media, and Creative Communication.

“It is very fitting that in the year that Massey’s Creative Writing Programme celebrated its 20-year anniversary, our talented staff and students are so strongly showcased in this issue.”

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