Student inspired by ‘uniquely beautiful’ New Zealand literature

Cameron is currently in his third year of a Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws conjoint degree. He’s also the 2023 winner of the Michael and Dame Rosie Horton Prize, which is awarded to the student submitting the best work in New Zealand literature in a stage II or stage III course.

Describing New Zealand literature as being “uniquely beautiful”, Cameron, whose BA major is English, says one of the best parts of his studies to date has been “the breadth of experiences that I’ve had – particularly the breadth of thinkers and ways of thinking that I’ve been exposed to”.

He cites Albert Belz, Frank Sargeson, Patricia Grace and Katherine Mansfield – whose short stories are “famous for a reason” – as some of his favourite local writers. One particular aspect unique to the country’s literature is the fact it’s “very much indebted to New Zealand’s environment,” he says. “New Zealand’s literature is deeply rooted. With all those writers I’ve mentioned, there’s no single piece of their writing that doesn’t address a waterway or a mountain or a forest.”

Cameron says it’s that connection to the whenua and local landmarks that constantly draws him in.

“When I’m reading New Zealand literature, there are all these names and places I recognise,” he says. “It’s that surge of recognition that really excites me.”
Another attraction is the fact that “New Zealand writers have a very distinctive dialect and tone and way of sharing the world”.

The Michael and Dame Rosie Horton Prize in literature was established in 2014 and is one of a number of areas of the University that the Hortons have generously supported. Most recently, Michael made a donation to establish the CBR Dame Rosie Horton postdoctoral research fellowship in neuroscience in memory of his wife, who died in May.

Cameron says he feels “very privileged” to be associated with Michael and Dame Rosie and that he is honoured to have received the prize in literature. “No writers have set my imagination afire in the same way that writers of this country have, and that a prize exists to encourage students’ passion for New Zealand literature is fantastic,” he says.

Despite his love of literature and writing, Cameron says he doesn’t currently have any plans to pursue writing as a career, with a job in law more likely – although “writing will always continue to be a part of my life”.