Convenor of judges Simie Simpson (Te Ᾱti Awa) is the programmes manager for Read NZ Te Pou Muramura, based in Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington. She has wide ranging experience as a bookseller, publishing sales manager, public librarian, and book reviewer. Simie has been chair of the Samesame but Different Literary Festival, and was a judge for the 2019 New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults. She believes in the transformative power of books, and the importance of tamariki seeing themselves reflected in the books they read.

Cassie Hart (Kāi Tahu, Pākehā) is an award-winning author, editor and mentor living in New Plymouth under the watchful gaze of Taranaki Maunga. While Cassie writes primarily adult fiction and personal essays, she loves and reads stories for all ages. This year she has begun working as a librarian – and her to-be-read list has grown exponentially with the suggestions of the rangatahi who frequent Puke Ariki library.

Chris Reed (Ngāti Porou, Pākehā) is a Tāmaki Makaurau-based high school teacher, who is head of the English faculty at one of the country’s largest schools. In 2026 he is taking a study sabbatical to engage in an immersion te reo Māori course. Chris is also a published writer and a book reviewer, who is passionate about promoting reading for the benefit of young people throughout New Zealand.

Lauryn Urquhart is a school librarian in Mosgiel, who takes joy in supporting students on their literary and reading journeys. She has over 20 years of experience in school and public libraries, which has given her a good understanding of what attracts a reader to a story. Lauryn is a dedicated advocate for school libraries and librarians, and currently serves as the Otago representative on the SLANZA National Executive.

Lucy Black has a background in education and 20 years of experience working in libraries and bookshops, and is currently librarian for an inner city Pōneke school. She is also a prolific reader, a writer and a literary reviewer. For Lucy, reading is a way to comprehend society, and she likes to delve deep into any text she reads to pinpoint the core messages and purpose.

Convenor of Te Kura Pounamu panel for 2026, Te Wairere Puāwaitanga O Te Whakaaro Ngaia (Waikato-Maniapoto, Taranaki Tūturu, Te Ātiawa, Ngāruahinerangi, Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Pikiao, Ngāti Whakaue) is a Waikato-based kaiako of te reo Māori and a qualified translator. Her dedication to te reo Māori and Tikanga Māori was nurtured though her own total-immersion education. Te Wairere has degrees in Communications and Māori Performing Arts, and a Masters of Management Studies. She has nurtured a love of literature and the arts from a young age, but what drives her most is her passion for her people and her culture. She previously judged Te Kura Pounamu category in 2023.

Eva Mahara (Waikato, Ngāti Te Wehi) is content editor – te reo Māori at the National Library of New Zealand Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa, a role that involves connecting communities, schools and ākonga to the collections through language. She has over 20 years’ experience in translation, interpreting, content editing and publishing, including leadership roles at Whakaata Māori. Eva is committed to promoting great Māori literature for tamariki and rangatahi, and has a passion for stories that celebrate te reo Māori and inspire young readers to tell their own stories.

Hona Black (Tūhoe, Te Whānau a Apanui, Tūwharetoa) is a Māori language academic, writer, and educator, who is Associate Professor at Te Pūtahi a Toi, Massey University in Palmerston North. He is known for his contributions to reo revitalisation and resource development, and is the author of three bestselling books on aspects of Māori language. Hona has worked extensively across kura, wānanga and universities, and continues to teach, write, and develop resources that strengthen advanced reo proficiency and Māori knowledge creation.