Craig Marriner is New Zealand’s response to Irvine Welsh and Quentin Tarantino. The raw and scathing prose of his first novel, Stonedogs, broke new ground and the work went on to win the Deutz Medal for Fictionand the New Zealand Society of Authors Hubert Church Best First Book Award for Fiction at the 2002 Montana Book Awards. It was set in the world of gangs, drugs and the underbelly of New Zealand. Like Alan Duff, Marriner was raised in Rotorua, left school early and describes himself as living ‘near the edge of the rails’ before taking off to the Australian mines. He was a Buddle Findlay Sargeson Fellow in 2004 and currently lives in London.
Craig Marriner is New Zealand’s response to Irvine Welsh and Quentin Tarantino. The raw and scathing prose of his first novel, Stonedogs, broke new ground and the work went on to win the Deutz Medal for Fictionand the New Zealand Society of Authors Hubert Church Best First Book Award for Fiction at the 2002 Montana Book Awards. It was set in the world of gangs, drugs and the underbelly of New Zealand. Like Alan Duff, Marriner was raised in Rotorua, left school early and describes himself as living ‘near the edge of the rails’ before taking off to the Australian mines. He was a Buddle Findlay Sargeson Fellow in 2004 and currently lives in London.
Q&A Session with 2026 Dublin Literary Award shortlisted author Brigitte Giraud, author of Live Fast, exploring the inspirations behind her novel.
VideoMay 12 2026
Laurent Binet – Perspective(s) Q&A
Check out our Q&A with Laurent Binet, author of shortlisted title Perspective(s), as he discusses the inspirations behind his work and reflects on the role libraries have played in shaping his journey
VideoMay 8 2026
Ali Smith – Gliff Q&A
Shortlisted author Ali Smith discusses the creative inspirations behind Gliff and reflects on the significance of libraries throughout her reading and writing life in our latest Q&A.
