Nominations are open for for New Voices of Aotearoa 2026! Launched just last year, this important initiative aims to showcase up-and-coming, must-read, brilliantly talented authors of Aotearoa New Zealand adult fiction and non-fiction.
The New Voices of Aotearoa campaign has become a feature and a highlight for the Coalition, working hard to deliver on our kaupapa of reaching and engaging more audiences with a diverse range of New Zealand authors, and enhancing the visibility and sales of New Zealand books. We are pleased to report that, on average, titles by the New Voices selected in 2025 saw a significant boost in sales throughout the campaign.
You can read more details about eligibility and how to nominate below.
In 2026, selected authors will attend a curated one-day professional development program and photoshoot in Auckland, have the opportunity to showcase their work at an industry event at Auckland Writers Festival, be supported by ongoing promotion by the Coalition for Books through Kete Books’ digital channels and Winter Reading catalogue — distributed in the Listener to over 30,000 subscribers — and more.
To be eligible for this year’s campaign, an author must have published their first book in the last twelve months (i.e. March 2025-February 2026) or have their second book due for release in 2026. Authors must also be either New Zealanders by birth, hold New Zealand citizenship, or be long-term residents of Aotearoa.
Nominations are open from Sunday 1 March and close midnight Sunday 15 March. Nominations received outside this window will not be considered.
Entry fee
Payable via invoice, which will be emailed to nominators in April.
