From page to performance: Standout NZ stories announced in Audiobook of the Year longlist
The Aotearoa New Zealand Book Industry Awards is proud to announce the 2026 longlist for the Libro.fm NZ Audiobook of the Year Award, celebrating the continued rise of audiobooks as a powerful and accessible storytelling format.
Now in its second year, the award—sponsored by Libro.fm—recognises excellence in narration, production and content, highlighting the unique artistry that brings books to life through sound.
Audiobooks are playing an increasingly important role in the growth of the Aotearoa New Zealand publishing industry. Offering a complementary yet distinct experience to traditional reading, they open up new ways for audiences to engage with stories—whether at home, on the move, or as part of a more accessible reading journey.
Fifteen remarkable titles have been selected for the 2026 longlist, spanning literary fiction, memoir, fantasy, sport, nature and self-help. Whether a lifelong book lover or a recent convert to the joy of listening, this longlist reflects the richness and diversity of Aotearoa’s storytelling.
Audiobooks in the running for the award are assessed on sales as well as narration, production and content by a panel of booksellers and influencers. The shortlist will be announced on 27 May 2026, with the winner revealed at the Aotearoa NZ Book Industry Awards ceremony in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland on 25 July 2026. Tickets will go on sale soon.
Aotearoa New Zealand Book Industry Awards
Presented by Booksellers Aotearoa New Zealand and the Publishers Association of New Zealand (PANZ), the awards celebrate the outstanding publishing, writing, and bookselling mahi taking place across the motu—honouring the creativity, dedication, and collaboration that connect readers with books that matter.
Sponsored by Libro.fm
We are incredibly grateful for the sponsorship of Libro.fm, the groundbreaking Certified B Corp™ that makes it possible for readers to purchase audiobooks through their local bookshop, ensuring independent booksellers receive a portion of every sale.
AOTEAROA NEW ZEALAND BOOK INDUSTRY AWARDS
Libro.fm NZ Audiobook of the Year Award
2026 Longlist
• 1985 by Dominic Hoey
• A Different Kind of Power by Jacinda Ardern
• A Far Better Thing by H. G. Parry
• A Life Less Punishing by Matt Heath
• Become Unstoppable by Gilbert Enoka
• Iron & Embers by Helen Scheuerer
• Māori Millionaire by Te Kahukura Boynton
• Northbound by Naomi Arnold
• No Words for This by Ali Mau
• Speaking My Language Te Kōrero i Tōku Reo by Mike McRoberts
• The Amber Owl by Juliet Marillier
• The Bookshop Detectives 2: Tea and Cake and Death by Gareth and Louise Ward
• The Forgotten Forest by Robert Vennell
• The Lost Saint by Rachael Craw
• This Vicious Dream by Stacia Stark
1985
Dominic Hoey
It’s 1985, and Obi is on the brink of growing up in a world shaped by poverty, chaos, and survival. When a treasure map promises escape, he’s pulled into a high-stakes adventure. A gritty, electric coming-of-age story set in multicultural, pre-gentrification Auckland—full of heart, danger, and dreaming big.
Genre: Fiction / Literary
Narrator: Dominic Hoey
Publisher: Penguin Random House New Zealand
A Different Kind of Power
Jacinda Ardern
From small-town New Zealand to global leadership, Jacinda Ardern redefines what it means to lead with empathy and strength. Facing crises from terror attacks to a pandemic, she led with compassion and conviction. A powerful, inspiring memoir about courage, self-doubt, and a new kind of leadership.
Genre: Non-Fiction / Biography
Narrator: Jacinda Ardern
Publisher: Penguin Random House New Zealand
A Far Better Thing
H. G. Parry
Faery-raised Sydney Carton seizes a chance for revenge against the beings who stole his life—and the changeling who replaced him. Amid the French Revolution’s Reign of Terror, he plots with magic and iron, shuttling between London and Paris, toward a devastating choice beneath the guillotine.
Genre: Fiction / Fantasy
Narrator: Nathaniel Priestley
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
A Life Less Punishing
Matt Heath
Why do we stay dissatisfied even when life is good? Matt Heath explores the science of emotions—anger, stress, loneliness—through interviews with global experts. Funny, practical and insightful, this audiobook helps you understand your mind, take control of your feelings, and build a happier life for yourself and those around you.
Genre: Non-Fiction / Self-Improvement
Narrator: Matt Heath
Publisher: Bolinda Publishing
Become Unstoppable
Gilbert Enoka
All Blacks mental skills coach Gilbert Enoka reveals the mindset behind one of sport’s most successful teams. Learn how to build resilience under pressure, lead with purpose, and create a winning culture. Packed with proven strategies, this book shows how to develop lasting performance and leave any team stronger than you found it.
Genre: Non-Fiction / Sport
Narrator: Gilbert Enoka
Publisher: Penguin Random House New Zealand
Iron & Embers
Helen Scheuerer
Assassin-alchemist Wren Embervale enters a deadly academy to stop a dark magic threatening the realm. Forced to compete, she faces betrayal, lethal trials, and a war hero who hates her. As danger closes in, their volatile bond ignites—proving love may be the most dangerous force of all.
Genre: Fiction / Fantasy
Narrators: Matt Haynes & Emilia Bauer
Publisher: Dreamscape Media
Māori Millionaire
Te Kahukura Boynton
A beginner’s guide to transforming your money mindset, building powerful habits, and increasing income. Learn to get out of debt, invest in yourself, and grow daily. Practical and empowering, this book helps you create lasting financial change—for you and your whānau.
Genre: Non-Fiction / Business
Narrator: Te Kahukura Boynton
Publisher: Penguin Random House New Zealand
Northbound
Naomi Arnold
Award-winning journalist Naomi Arnold walks the length of New Zealand on Te Araroa, fulfilling a 20-year dream. Alone through mountains, rivers and storms, she discovers resilience, connection and joy. This inspiring memoir of solitude, friendship and endurance celebrates the beauty and challenge of life in the wilderness.
Genre: Non-Fiction / Travel
Narrator: Naomi Arnold
Publisher: HarperAudio
No Words for This
Ali Mau
Journalist Alison Mau traces her rise through the media world, shaped by her larger-than-life father and driven career across Australia, London and New Zealand. When a family crisis collides with her work exposing #MeToo stories, she must confront her past, her identity, and the cost of speaking out.
Genre: Non-Fiction / Biography
Narrator: Ali Mau
Publisher: HarperAudio
Speaking My Language Te Kōrero i Tōku Reo
Mike McRoberts
Journalist Mike McRoberts shares his powerful journey reconnecting with te reo Māori. From shame and self-doubt to purpose and pride, his story reflects a generation’s struggle. Honest and inspiring, this book invites all New Zealanders to embrace the language and culture that shape who we are.
Genre: Non-Fiction / Memoir
Narrator: Mike McRoberts
Publisher: HarperAudio
The Amber Owl
Juliet Marillier
Stasya, a reclusive animal whisperer living on the edge of the sentient Heartwood Forest, is torn from her home when soldiers invade in search of a legendary treasure. Taken to court by the Ruler of the Northlands, she is forced into service—but refuses to betray the forest she vowed to protect.
Genre: Fiction / Fantasy
Narrator: Emma Drysdale
Publisher: Bolinda Publishing
The Bookshop Detectives 2: Tea and Cake and Death
Gareth and Louise Ward
In this rollicking new adventure, Garth and Eloise (and Stevie) must sniff out a prolific poisoner ahead of a vital fundraising event, the Battle of the Book Clubs. As time runs out and the body count rises, it seems the bad actors are circling closer to the people and places they care about.
Genre: Fiction / Mystery
Narrators: Felicity Jurd & Yannick Lawry
Publisher: Penguin Random House New Zealand
The Forgotten Forest
Robert Vennell
Explore New Zealand’s hidden forest wonders. From glowing fungi to ancient lichens, uncover overlooked species through stories of science, history, and spirituality. Richly illustrated, this captivating guide transforms every bush walk into a journey through nature’s strangest, most magical life.
Genre: Non-Fiction / Nature
Narrator: Robert Vennell
Publisher: HarperAudio
The Lost Saint
Rachael Craw
Recently heartbroken Ana joins a post-graduation trip exploring sites linked to a 14th-century mystic—only for a catastrophic earthquake to hurl her and her friends into a medieval war. Separated and hunted, she is forced to rely on injured knight Leon, where survival ignites trust, romance, and a dangerous quest home.
Genre: Fiction / YA
Narrator: Sofia Engstrand
Publisher: Bolinda Publishing
This Vicious Dream
Stacia Stark
Imprisoned for guarding a world-shaping grimoire, a former hero clings to survival—until a ruthless stranger arrives, seeking the same power. Forced into a fragile alliance with a man she cannot trust, she uncovers a darker threat that could destroy everything, where desire and danger become fatally entwined.
Genre: Fiction / Fantasy
Narrator: Meg Sylvan & Tim Paige
Publisher: Dreamscape Media