Eleanor Catton named 'Woman of the Year'

New Zealand author Ellie Catton, whose 'historical, astrological murder mystery' THE LUMINARIES scooped the prestigious Man Booker Prize recently, amongst several other accolades, was last night names the Lexus M2 Woman of the Year for 2013.

The exclusive black tie event, held in The Great Room at Auckland’s Langham Hotel, saw this year’s winners revealed to a star-studded group of notable New Zealanders, including media personalities, esteemed business leaders and sportspeople. Team New Zealand skipper Dean Barker won the Man of the Year title.

From the official press release:

It has been an exceptional year for Man Booker Prize-winning author and Lexus M2woman Woman of the Year Eleanor Catton, adding yet another award to her ever-growing list of accolades. Said M2 editor Andre Rowell. “Eleanor’s passion, her vision, her drive and determination to succeed are an inspiration for all New Zealand women striving for success and overcoming hurdles. At just 28, we can expect an amazing future from Eleanor."

Catton will of course be in the running for the 2014 Ngaio Marsh Award for Best Crime Novel.