Ray Richards

Ray Richards has been one of the most influential voices in New Zealand’s literature.

As editor, managing director and publisher of A. H. & A. W. Reed, Ray Richards encouraged the writing of many uniquely New Zealand voices including Barry Crump and Mona Anderson, and introduced the wider New Zealand public to the works of painters Peter McIntyre and Toss Wollaston, and photographer Geoff Moon. He was awarded the inaugural Booksellers New Zealand Lifetime Achievement Award in 2001 for his services to the publishing industry as publisher, managing director of A.H. & A.W.Reed and of course for his services as a literary agent – well-deserved recognition from his peers.

Since establishing the Richards Literary Agency in the 1970s Ray has mentored, encouraged, promoted and become a friend to many of New Zealand’s prominent writers and illustrators, and is now working on behalf of almost 100 clients ensuring that their work is published nationally and internationally. Those writing and illustrating for children and teenagers include: Tanya Batt, Fleur Beale, Jennifer Beck, Robyn Belton, Jean Bennett, Gretchen Brassington, Deborah Burnside, Dorothy Butler, Pauline Cartwright, Joy Cowley, Shirley Corlett, Elizabeth Fuller, Maurice Gee, Betty Gilderdale, Jenny Hessell, Witi Ihimaera, Jo Noble, Diana Noonan, Lorraine Orman, John Parker, Trevor Pye, Alan Trussell-Cullen, Mary Whaanga, Fraser Williamson, Richard and Pamela Wolfe.

Ray Richards has had a unique visionary presence in the growth of New Zealand children’s literature.

Awards:

• Booksellers New Zealand Lifetime Achievement Award 2001.
• Storylines Betty Gilderdale Award 2004.