CELEBRATING AOTEAROA EXCELLENCE
The Aotearoa NZ Book Industry Awards celebrate the outstanding publishing, writing, and bookselling mahi taking place across the motu. These awards honour the creativity, dedication, and collaboration that bring stories to life and connect readers with books that matter.
Presented by Booksellers Aotearoa NZ and the Publishers Association of New Zealand (PANZ), the awards shine a spotlight on excellence across our vibrant book industry.
This is your year to bring your main character energy.
Step forward. Back your mahi. Put your work in the spotlight.
Someone has to win — and it could be you.
Winners will be announced at a special ceremony in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland on 25 July 2026.
Entries/nominations are now open for the following categories (click for criteria):
- Bookshop of the Year
- Publisher of the Year
- Publishing Trailblazer
- Bookselling Trailblazer
- Sales Professional of the Year
- Marketing & Publicity Strategy of the Year
The Booksellers Choice Awards, Libro.fm Audiobook of the Year and Lifetime Achievement Awards will also be presented on the night.
ENTRY FEE: $50 or FREE for members of Booksellers Aotearoa NZ and PANZ
DEADLINE: 17 April 2026, 5pm
Please note, if you enter, you will be expected to attend the Book Industry Awards ceremony in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland — tickets will go on sale soon.
KEY DATES
Shortlists announced – 25 May 2026
Ceremony – 25 July 2026
See past winners on our Honour Roll