The judges praised her contribution: “Jasmine has demonstrated incredible tenacity and an ambition to give more. She has carved out an important cultural role, providing a safe harbour, and caring for her authors – many of whom gave her their deep thanks.”
Te Herenga Waka University Press Publisher, Fergus Barrowman, said the team was absolutely thrilled about Jasmine's win.
“This is well-deserved recognition of her outstanding contribution to publishing in Aotearoa as our Editor (Māori), with her blend of editorial excellence, cultural leadership, and her aroha for the writers and stories she works with. Reading the author testimonials for Jas, and seeing the outpouring of love and support on social media following her win, has been really moving. We couldn't be prouder to have her as part of the Te Herenga Waka University Press team.”
Jasmine has been with Te Herenga Waka University Press as an editor since 2019. She has worked on books with Airini Beautrais, Patrick Evans, Talia Marshall and Michelle Rahurahu, and on short fiction with Patricia Grace, Witi Ihimaera and Ingrid Horrocks.
The Aotearoa New Zealand Book Industry Awards recognise the best New Zealand publishers, booksellers and industry talent.