First launched in 1968 as the Wattie Book Awards (and known over the years by a few other names), these awards have long been the gold standard for recognising the best books by New Zealanders. In 2015, Ockham Residential ever so proudly stepped in as principal sponsor, helping to ensure the event's continued success.

The awards shine a spotlight across four major categories: Fiction (the coveted Jann Medlicott Acorn Prize), Poetry (the Mary and Peter Biggs Award), Illustrated Non-Fiction (the BookHub Award), and General Non-Fiction. There’s also special attention given to emerging talent through the Mātātuhi Foundation Best First Book Awards, and — at the judges’ discretion — Te Mūrau o te Tuhi, celebrating excellence in te reo Māori.

Judging panels of three experts per category have spent months poring over the country’s finest writing. Their selections will be unveiled on May 14, during a sparkling ceremony at the Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre, part of the Auckland Writers Festival.

The stakes are high. In 2024, the winner of the fiction prize took home a hefty $65,000 thanks to the generosity of the late Jann Medlicott. Winners of the other main categories, plus Te Mūrau o te Tuhi, each pocketed $12,000, while the Mātātuhi Foundation Best First Book winners each received $3,000.

Hosted by the ever-brilliant Miriama Kamo, this year’s awards night promises plenty of unforgettable moments — live music, passionate readings from the finalists, and a chance to rub shoulders with authors, publishers, booksellers, and media. Whether you're a seasoned literary buff or just someone who loves a good story, it’s a night not to be missed.

Want to be there when New Zealand’s next literary legends are crowned? Grab your tickets and join the celebration. Full details, including the full list of 2025 nominees, are up now at nzbookawards.nz.