Mrs Lee Murray, ONZM, of Tauranga, for services to literature, particularly speculative literature
Lee Murray is a writer of science fiction, fantasy and horror (speculative fiction collectively), producing works for adults and children with a New Zealand focus. She has written and curated nearly 40 titles, earning numerous awards. She convened the professional development programme for the group Tauranga Writers. She co-founded and co-facilitated Young New Zealand Writers, a not-for-profit providing development and publishing opportunities for school students. She co-established the Wright-Murray Residency for Speculative Fiction. As a volunteer curator-editor, she has championed nine national anthologies to develop emerging writers. As a mentor, she has supported more than 100 writers, including for the international Horror Writers Association. Mrs Murray co-founded and co-chairs the Association’s Wellness Committee, which focuses on improving horror literature portrayals of mental health to reduce stigma and increase understanding.