Dame Lynley Dodd
New Zealand Legacy Award
2026
Fisher Funds
New Zealand Legacy Award
Te Pou Tūroa o Aotearoa New Zealand
Dame Lynley Dodd
Dame Lynley Dodd, one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most beloved storytellers, continues to shape the nation’s literary landscape through creativity, mentorship, and enduring cultural impact. In recent years, she has expanded her commitment to nurturing the next generation of writers by establishing the Lynley Dodd Children’s Writers Award through The Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi – a biennial $30,000 grant supporting mid-career authors of children’s literature. This initiative reflects Dame Lynley’s deep belief in strengthening the future of storytelling, offering writers the time, stability, and encouragement needed to grow their craft.
Her extraordinary influence extends far beyond her own celebrated works. In 2024, her contribution to children’s literature was further recognised with the Prime Minister’s Award for Literary Achievement in Fiction. Across decades, her iconic Hairy Maclary series has ignited a love of reading for generations of tamariki, becoming a cultural touchstone both here and around the world.
This award recognises a lifetime of outstanding contribution. These individuals have shaped Aotearoa through decades of dedicated mahi, leaving a legacy of leadership, influence and progress that defines who we are – and who we aspire to be.
This award stands apart. It is not open for public nomination – the recipient is chosen at the Judges’ discretion from the pool of Semi-Finalists across all seven award categories.
How this award is determined
At Executive Judging Day, the panel identifies Semi-Finalists they believe should be considered for this award. Judges are invited to advocate for those individuals. A recipient is selected through panel deliberation, with a vote used only if consensus cannot be reached.
Judging Considerations
Rather than a scoring matrix, judges are guided by the following when deliberating and advocating for a Legacy Award recipient:
- LIFETIME OF CONTRIBUTION
Has this person demonstrated a sustained, multi-decade commitment to their field, community, or cause? The Legacy Award is not for a single achievement – it honours a body of mahi that has evolved, deepened, and endured. - NATIONAL SIGNIFICANCE
Has their contribution shaped Aotearoa at a national level – influencing culture, policy, industry, or identity in ways that extend beyond a single community or sector? - LEADERSHIP AND INFLUENCE
Have they inspired, mentored, or created pathways for others? Has their leadership generated a ripple effect – lifting up people, movements, or institutions that continue to grow today? - ENDURING LEGACY
What lasting impact has their work had on New Zealand? Are the changes they created embedded in our communities, institutions, attitudes, or systems in ways that will outlive them? - EMBODIMENT OF AOTEAROA
Do they reflect the values and spirit of who we are as a nation — and who we aspire to be?
