Here are the best short stories and novel extracts from the Pikihuia Awards for Māori writers 2017 as judged by Whiti Hereaka, Paula Morris, Poia Rewi and Rawinia Higgins. The book contains the stories from the finalists for Best Short Story written in English, Best Short Story written in te reo Māori and Best Novel Extract categories. This writing competition, held every two years, is organised by the Māori Literature Trust and Huia Publishers as a way to promote Māori writers and their work. The awards and the collection of finalists' fiction celebrate Māori writing and bring new writers to light.