New Zealand Book Awards
Complete guide to literary prizes and book awards in New Zealand, celebrating Kiwi authors and literature.
About New Zealand Book Awards
New Zealand has a vibrant literary culture supported by prestigious awards that recognize excellence in fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and children's literature. The Ockham New Zealand Book Awards is the country's premier literary prize, while specialized awards honor children's literature, Māori writing, and debut authors.
Major New Zealand Book Awards
Ockham New Zealand Book Awards
New Zealand's premier literary awards with categories for fiction, poetry, illustrated non-fiction, and general non-fiction.
New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults
Annual awards celebrating the best in New Zealand children's and young adult literature.
Ngā Kupu Ora Aotearoa Māori Book Awards
Awards celebrating Māori literature and writing in te reo Māori and English.
NZ Booklovers Award
Reader-voted award for the best New Zealand fiction of the year.
New Zealand Book Awards FAQ
What is the most prestigious NZ book award?
The Ockham New Zealand Book Awards (formerly the NZ Post Book Awards) is considered the country's most prestigious literary prize, with the Jann Medlicott Acorn Prize for Fiction being the top fiction award.
Can international authors win NZ book awards?
Most New Zealand book awards require the author to be a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident. Some awards focus specifically on books published in New Zealand or with New Zealand content.