The Te Mata Estate New Zealand Fiction Award is an annual literary prize that recognizes outstanding works of fiction by New Zealand authors. Established in 1996, the award aims to celebrate and promote the richness of New Zealand's literary landscape. It is open to novels published in the previous year, and the winner receives a cash prize along with national recognition. The award is sponsored by Te Mata Estate, a renowned winery located in the Hawke's Bay region of New Zealand. The judging panel typically consists of prominent literary figures, ensuring that the selection process highlights the best in contemporary New Zealand fiction.