New Zealand Post and the Katherine Mansfield Menton Trust last night announced Wellington author Jenny Pattrick as winner of the 2009 New Zealand Post Mansfield Prize.

The $100,000 Prize, offered in conjunction with the Winn-Manson Menton Trust and administered by Creative New Zealand, covers return travel to France and living and accommodation expenses for six months. The Prize enables a New Zealand author to work at the Villa Isola Bella in Menton, France, where famed writer Katherine Mansfield lived and wrote in 1919 and 1920.

It is the most valuable international residency programme for New Zealand writers. It celebrates New Zealand heritage and writing and complements New Zealand Post's literacy based programmes, including Books in Homes, Children and Young Adults Book Awards and Literacy Aotearoa.

Jenny Pattrick says she is extremely excited about the Prize.

"The Prize has been given to the who's who of New Zealand writers and I am hugely honoured to be named as one of them. I can't wait to experience the South of France and be inspired by its surroundings in the same way that Katherine Mansfield was. I admire New Zealand Post for what they do for literature in New Zealand and for making this Prize possible.

"I am possibly the first popular writer to be awarded this prestigious prize. That's a special pleasure to me. I hope this is a recognition that good popular writing can be just as demanding to write, just as carefully crafted, just as true in its characterisation, themes and ideas as good literary writing."

New Zealand Post Chief Executive John Allen said: "New Zealand Post is proud to be associated with this exceptional prize. Working from the Katherine Mansfield Memorial Room at the Villa gives a deserving New Zealand author the opportunity to focus without distraction on producing new works."

Mr Allen is delighted that Ms Pattrick is the latest in a long and distinguished line of New Zealand writers to be awarded the Katherine Mansfield Prize. She is the second winner since New Zealand Post became the principal partner with the Trust in 2007 and significantly increased the prize value. The first New Zealand Post Mansfield Prize winner, Damien Wilkins, is about to finish his time in Menton. The Prize has supported many authors over the years, including Janet Frame, Witi Ihimaera, Vincent O'Sullivan and Dame Fiona Kidman.

Chair of the Katherine Mansfield Menton Trust Richard Cathie said this is the 40th consecutive year that the Trust is sending a New Zealand writer to Menton.

"It is an honour to celebrate this 'birthday' by awarding the Prize to Jenny, who is talented in many ways. She is also noted for her work in writing lyrics with her musician husband Laughton, and for her work as a jeweller. Jenny's commitment and thorough research is evident in her writing, which has attracted wide readership," said Mr Cathie.