Ockham New Zealand Book Awards

Template:Short description Template:Use New Zealand English Template:Use dmy dates Template:Infobox award The Ockham New Zealand Book Awards are literary awards presented annually in New Zealand. The awards began in 1996 as the merger of two literary awards events: the New Zealand Book Awards, which ran from 1976 to 1995, and the Goodman Fielder Wattie Book Awards, which ran from 1968 to 1995 (known as the Montana Book Awards from 1994 to 1995).<ref name="Hamilton">Template:Cite book</ref><ref name="History">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name="Montana">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

The awards have changed name several times depending on sponsorship. From 1996 to 2009, the awards were known as the Montana New Zealand Book Awards, and sponsored by Montana Wines.<ref name="Montana"/> From 2010 until 2014, the awards were known as the New Zealand Post Book Awards.<ref name="History"/> Since 2015, the main sponsors have been property developer Ockham Residential, the Acorn Foundation, Creative New Zealand, Mary and Peter Biggs, Booksellers Aotearoa New Zealand and biotech company MitoQ.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The awards event is the opening event of the Auckland Writers Festival, held annually in May.<ref name="About">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

History and format

Before 1996 there were two major New Zealand literary awards events: the Goodman Fielder Wattie Book Awards (1968 to 1995, known as the Montana Book Awards from 1994 to 1995) and the New Zealand Book Awards (1976 to 1995).

The Wattie Book of the Year Award (named for Sir James Wattie) was formed in 1968, supported by the New Zealand Publishers Association and sponsored by the company Wattie's. This award was the first of its kind in New Zealand.<ref name="Hamilton"/><ref name="Page 2">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The first recipients were John Morton and Michael Miller for The New Zealand Sea Shore.<ref name="Page 2"/> The first novel to win an award was Smith's Dream by C.K. Stead in 1972.<ref name="Judgment">Template:Cite news</ref> The award became the Goodman Fielder Wattie Awards, and only had a single category covering fiction, non-fiction and other genres.<ref name="Page 2"/><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> In 1994 the winemaking company Montana became the sponsor and the awards were renamed to the Montana Book Awards.<ref name="History"/>

The New Zealand Book Awards were set up by the New Zealand Literary Fund, a government organisation, in 1976. Annual awards were presented for literary merit in fiction, non-fiction, poetry and (later) book production.<ref name="Page 2"/>

In 1996, the two award series were amalgamated to form the Montana New Zealand Book Awards, managed by Booksellers New Zealand (a bookselling association) and offering prizes in six categories.<ref name="Hamilton"/><ref name="Page 2"/> In 2010, the New Zealand Post took over as sponsor, having supported the New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults for the previous 14 years.<ref name="History"/><ref name="Page 2"/>

In 2015, Auckland property development firm Ockham Residential assumed sponsorship of the awards, and the New Zealand Book Awards Trust took over the governance and management. No prizes were presented in that year, and the awards were streamlined to discontinue the Book of the Year Award, the Booksellers' Choice Award and the People's Choice Award. Since the first Ockham New Zealand Book Awards in 2016, the ceremony has been held each year in May, as part of the Auckland Writers Festival.<ref name="History"/> In 2020 the award winners were announced in a virtual presentation, after the Auckland Writers Festival was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref name="About"/>

Template:As of, there are five principal prizes: fiction (currently known as the Jann Medlicott Acorn Prize for Fiction), general non-fiction (sponsored by Royal Society Te Apārangi), illustrated non-fiction, poetry (currently known as the Mary and Peter Biggs Award for Poetry) and Te Mūrau o te Tuhi Māori Language Award for books written entirely in te reo Māori. "Best First Book" prizes are awarded to first time authors in the first four categories, currently sponsored by MitoQ.<ref name="About"/> Each category is judged by a panel of three judges. Winners of the Jann Medlicott Acorn Prize for Fiction receive a minimum of Template:NZ$55,000, and is the largest cash book prize in New Zealand.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The other principal prizewinners receive Template:NZ$10,000 each, and the winners of the four MitoQ Best First Book awards receive Template:NZ$2,500.<ref name="About"/>

Fiction

Fiction award

Since 2020, the top prize for fiction has been the Jann Medlicott Acorn Prize for Fiction. Between 2017 and 2019, the top prize for fiction was known as the Acorn Foundation Fiction Prize. In 2017, it was known as the Acorn Foundation Literary Award. From 1996 to 2016, it was known as the Fiction Prize.

• 2025 – Damien Wilkins, Delirious. Te Herenga Waka University Press<ref name="Need">Template:Cite news</ref>
• 2024 – Emily Perkins, Lioness. Bloomsbury UK.<ref name="2024 Winners">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

• 2023 – Catherine Chidgey, The Axeman's Carnival. Te Herenga Waka University Press<ref name="2023 Winners">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

• 2022 – Whiti Hereaka, Kurangaituku. Huia Publishers<ref name="2022 Winners">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

• 2021 – Airini Beautrais, Bug Week & Other Stories. Victoria University Press<ref name="2021Ockham">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

• 2020 – Becky Manawatu, Auē. Mākaro Press<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name="PW2020">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

• 2019 – Fiona Kidman, This Mortal Boy. Vintage, Penguin Random House<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name="PW2019">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

• 2018 – Pip Adam, The New Animals. Victoria University Press<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name="PW2018">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

• 2017 – Catherine Chidgey, The Wish Child. Victoria University Press<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name="PW2017">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

• 2016 – Stephen Daisley, Coming Rain. Text Publishing<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name="PW2016">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

• 2015 – no award due to change of sponsors
• 2014 – Eleanor Catton, The Luminaries. Victoria University Press<ref name="PW2014">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

• 2013 – Kirsty Gunn, The Big Music. Faber and Faber<ref name="PW2013">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

• 2012 – Paula Morris, Rangatira. Penguin Group (NZ)<ref name="PW2012">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

• 2011 – Laurence Fearnley, The Hut Builder. Penguin Group (NZ)<ref name="PW2011">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

• 2010 – Alison Wong, As the Earth Turns Silver. Penguin Group (NZ)<ref name="PW2010">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

• 2009 – Emily Perkins, A Novel About My Wife. Bloomsbury<ref name="PW2009">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

• 2008 – Charlotte Grimshaw, Opportunity. Random House NZ<ref name="PW2008">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

• 2007 – Lloyd Jones, Mister Pip. Penguin<ref name="PW2007">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

• 2006 – Maurice Gee, Blindsight. Penguin<ref name="PW2006">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

• 2005 – Patricia Grace, Tu. Penguin Group (NZ)<ref name="PW2005">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

• 2004 – Annamarie Jagose, Slow Water. Victoria University Press<ref name="PW2004">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

• 2003 – Stephanie Johnson, The Shag Incident. Vintage Books<ref name="PW2003">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

• 2002 – Craig Marriner, Stonedogs. Vintage Books<ref name="PW2002">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

• 2001 – Lloyd Jones, The Book of Fame. Penguin Group (NZ)<ref name="PW2001">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

• 2000 – Owen Marshall, Harlequin Rex. Vintage<ref name="PW2000">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

• 1999 – Elizabeth Knox, The Vintner's Luck. Victoria University Press<ref name="PW1999">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

• 1998 – Maurice Gee, Live Bodies. Penguin Group (NZ)<ref name="PW1998">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

• 1997 – Alan Duff, What Becomes of the Broken Hearted?. Vintage<ref name="PW1997">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

• 1996 – Sheridan Keith, Zoology: A Novel. Penguin<ref name="PW1996">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref> Template:Colend

Best first book award (fiction)

Since 2022 and between 2015 and 2018, this award has been known as the Hubert Church Best First Book Award for Fiction. From 2019 to 2021, this award was known as the MitoQ Best First Book Awards: Hubert Church Prize for Fiction. From 1997 to 2014, this award was known as the NZSA Hubert Church Best First Book of Fiction Prize. In 1996, this award was known as the Best First Book Award, Fiction. Prior to 1996, this award had been presented since 1945 by PEN NZ, and was named for the poet, novelist and critic Hubert Church.<ref name="2021 winners">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

• 2025 – Michelle Rahurahu, Poorhara. Te Herenga Waka University Press<ref name="2025 Winners">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

• 2024 – Emma Hislop, Ruin and Other Stories. Te Herenga Waka University Press<ref name="2024 Winners" />
• 2023 – Anthony Lapwood. Home Theatre. Te Herenga Waka University Press<ref name="2023 Winners"/>
• 2022 – Rebecca K Reilly, Greta & Valdin. Te Herenga Waka University Press<ref name="2022 Winners" />
• 2021 – Rachel Kerr, Victory Park. Mākaro Press<ref name="2021Ockham" />
• 2020 – Becky Manawatu, Auē. Mākaro Press<ref name="PW2020"/>
• 2019 – Kirsten Warner, The Sound of Breaking Glass. Mākaro Press<ref name="PW2019"/>
• 2018 – Annaleese Jochems, Baby. Victoria University Press<ref name="PW2018"/>
• 2017 – Gina Cole, Black Ice Matter. Huia Publishers<ref name="PW2017"/>
• 2016 – David Coventry, The Invisible Mile. Victoria University Press<ref name="PW2016"/>
• 2015 – no award due to change of sponsors
• 2014 – Amy Head, Tough. Victoria University Press<ref name="PW2014"/>
• 2013 – Lawrence Patchett, I Got His Blood on Me. Victoria University Press<ref name="PW2013"/>
• 2012 – Hamish Clayton, Wulf. Penguin Group (NZ)<ref name="PW2012"/>
• 2011 – Pip Adam, Everything We Hoped for. Victoria University Press<ref name="PW2011"/>
• 2010 – Anna Taylor, Relief. Victoria University Press<ref name="PW2010"/>
• 2009 – Eleanor Catton, The Rehearsal. Victoria University Press<ref name="PW2009"/>
• 2008 – Mary McCallum, The Blue. Penguin Group (NZ)<ref name="PW2008"/>
• 2007 – Rachael King, The Sound of Butterflies. Black Swan<ref name="PW2007"/>
• 2006 – Gillian Ranstead, A Red Silk Sea. Penguin Group (NZ)<ref name="PW2006"/>
• 2005 – Julian Novitz, My Real Life and Other Stories. Vintage<ref name="PW2005"/>
• 2004 – Kelly Ana Morey, Bloom. Penguin Group (NZ)<ref name="PW2004"/>
• 2003 – Paula Morris Queen of Beauty. Penguin Group (NZ)<ref name="PW2003"/>
• 2002 – Craig Marriner, Stonedogs. Vintage Books<ref name="PW2002"/>
• 2001 – Karyn Hay, Emerald Budgies. Vintage Books<ref name="PW2001"/>
• 2000 – Duncan Sarkies, Stray Thoughts And Nosebleeds. Victoria University Press<ref name="PW2000"/>
• 1999 – William Brandt, Alpha Male. Victoria University Press<ref name="PW1999"/>
• 1998 – Catherine Chidgey, In a Fishbone Church. Victoria University Press<ref name="PW1998"/>
• 1997 – Dominic Sheehan, Finding Home. Secker & Waburg<ref name="PW1997"/>
• 1996 – Emily Perkins, Not Her Real Name. Victoria University Press<ref name="PW1996"/>

Poetry

Poetry award

Template:Main article Since 2020, this award has been the Mary and Peter Biggs Award for Poetry. Before 2019, this award was known as the Poetry Award.

• 2025 – Emma Neale, Liar, Liar, Lick, Spit, Otago University Press<ref name="2025 Winners"/>
• 2024 – Grace Yee, Chinese Fish Giramondo<ref name="2024 Winners" />
• 2023 – Alice Te Punga Somerville, Always Italicise: How to Write While Colonised. Auckland University Press<ref name="2023 Winners"/>
• 2022 – Joanna Preston, Tumble. Otago University Press<ref name="2022 Winners" />
• 2021 – Tusiata Avia, The Savage Coloniser Book. Victoria University Press<ref name="2021Ockham" />
• 2020 – Helen Rickerby, How to Live. Auckland University Press<ref name="PW2020"/>
• 2019 – Helen Heath, Are Friends Electric?. Victoria University Press<ref name="PW2019"/>
• 2018 – Elizabeth Smither, Night Horse. Auckland University Press<ref name="PW2018"/>
• 2017 – Andrew Johnston, Fits & Starts. Victoria University Press<ref name="PW2017"/>
• 2016 – David Eggleton, The Conch Trumpet. Otago University Press<ref name="PW2016"/>
• 2015 – no award due to change of sponsors
• 2014 – Vincent O'Sullivan, Us, Then. Victoria University Press<ref name="PW2014"/>
• 2013 – Anne Kennedy, The Darling North. Auckland University Press<ref name="PW2013"/>
• 2012 – Rhian Gallagher, Shift. Auckland University Press<ref name="PW2012"/>
• 2011 – Kate Camp, The Mirror of Simple Annihilated Souls. Victoria University Press<ref name="PW2011"/>
• 2010 – Brian Turner, Just This. Victoria University Press<ref name="PW2010"/>
• 2009 – Jenny Bornholdt, The Rocky Shore. Victoria University Press<ref name="PW2009"/>
• 2008 – Janet Charman, Cold Snack. Auckland University Press<ref name="PW2008"/>
• 2007 – Janet Frame, The Goose Bath. Vintage<ref name="PW2007"/>
• 2006 – Bill Manhire, Lifted. Victoria University Press<ref name="PW2006"/>
• 2005 – Vincent O'Sullivan, Nice Morning for It, Adam. Victoria University Press<ref name="PW2005"/>
• 2004 – Anne Kennedy, Sing-song. Auckland University Press<ref name="PW2004"/>
• 2003 – Glenn Colquhoun, Playing God. Steele Roberts<ref name="PW2003"/>
• 2002 – Hone Tuwhare, Piggy-back Moon. Godwit<ref name="PW2002"/>
• 2001 – Allen Curnow, The Bells of St Babel's. Auckland University Press<ref name="PW2001"/>
• 2000 – Elizabeth Smither, The Lark Quartet. Auckland University Press<ref name="PW2000"/>
• 1999 – Vincent O'Sullivan, Seeing You Asked. Victoria University Press<ref name="PW1999"/>
• 1998 – Hone Tuwhare, Shape-Shifter. Steele Roberts<ref name="PW1998"/>
• 1997 – edited by Jenny Bornholdt, Gregory O'Brien and Mark Williams, An Anthology of New Zealand Poetry in English. Oxford University Press<ref name="PW1997"/>
• 1996 – Bill Manhire, My Sunshine. Victoria University Press<ref name="PW1996"/>

Best first book award (poetry)

Since 2022 and between 2015 and 2018, this award has been known as the Jessie Mackay Best First Book Award for Poetry. Between 2019 and 2021, this award was known as the MitoQ Best First Book Awards: Jessie Mackay Prize for Poetry. From 1997 to 2014, this award was known as the NZSA Jessie Mackay Best First Book of Poetry Prize. In 1996, this award was known as the Best First Book Award, Poetry. Prior to 1996, this award had been presented since 1940 by PEN NZ, and was named for Jessie Mackay, New Zealand's first local-born poet.<ref name="2021 winners"/>

• 2025 – Rex Letoa Paget, Manuali'i. Saufo'i Press<ref name="2025 Winners"/>
• 2024 – Megan Kitching, At the Point of Seeing. Otago University Press<ref name="2024 Winners" />
• 2023 – Khadro Mohamed, We're All Made of Lightning. Tender Press<ref name="2023 Winners"/>
• 2022 – Nicole Titihuia Hawkins, Whai. We Are Babies Press<ref name="2022 Winners" />
• 2021 – Jackson Nieuwland, I Am a Human Being. Compound Press<ref name="2021Ockham" />
• 2020 – Jane Arthur, Craven. Victoria University Press<ref name="PW2020"/>
• 2019 – Tayi Tibble, Poūkahangatus. Victoria University Press<ref name="PW2019"/>
• 2018 – Hannah Mettner, Fully Clothed and So Forgetful. Victoria University Press<ref name="PW2018"/>
• 2017 – Hera Lindsay Bird, Hera Lindsay Bird. Victoria University Press<ref name="PW2017"/>
• 2016 – Chris Tse, How to be Dead in a Year of Snakes. Auckland University Press<ref name="PW2016"/>
• 2015 – no award due to change of sponsors
• 2014 – Marty Smith, Horse with Hat. Victoria University Press<ref name="PW2014"/>
• 2013 – Helen Heath, Graft. Victoria University Press<ref name="PW2013"/>
• 2012 – John Adams, Briefcase. Auckland University Press<ref name="PW2012"/>
• 2011 – Lynn Jenner, Dear Sweet Harry. Auckland University Press<ref name="PW2011"/>
• 2010 – Selina Tusitala Marsh, Fast Talking PI. Auckland University Press<ref name="PW2010"/>
• 2009 – Sam Sampson, Everything Talks. Auckland University Press<ref name="PW2009"/>
• 2008 – Jessica Le Bas, Incognito. Auckland University Press<ref name="PW2008"/>
• 2007 – Airini Beautrais, Secret Heart. Victoria University Press<ref name="PW2007"/>
• 2006 – Karlo Mila, Dream Fish Floating. Huia Publishers<ref name="PW2006"/>
• 2005 – Sonja Yelich, Clung. Auckland University Press<ref name="PW2005"/>
• 2004 – Cliff Fell, The Adulterer's Bible. Victoria University Press<ref name="PW2004"/>
• 2003 – Kay McKenzie Cooke, Feeding the Dogs, Kay McKenzie Cooke. University of Otago Press<ref name="PW2003"/>
• 2002 – Chris Price, Husk. Auckland University Press<ref name="PW2002"/>
• 2001 – Stephanie de Montalk, Animals Indoors. Victoria University Press<ref name="PW2001"/>
• 2000 – Glenn Colquhoun, The Art of Walking Upright. Steele Roberts<ref name="PW2000"/>
• 1999 – Kate Camp, Unfamiliar Legends of the Stars. Victoria University Press<ref name="PW1999"/>
• 1998 – Kapka Kassabova, All Roads Lead to the Sea. Auckland University Press<ref name="PW1998"/>
• 1997 – Diane Brown, Before the Divorce We Go To Disneyland. Tandem Press<ref name="PW1997"/>
• 1996 – James Brown, Go Round Power Please. Victoria University Press<ref name="PW1996"/>

General non-fiction

General non-fiction award

Since 2020, the top prize for general non-fiction has been the General Non-Fiction Award. Between 2016 and 2019, this award was known as the Royal Society Te Apārangi Award. Between 2010 and 2015, this award was known as the General Non-Fiction Prize. Between 1998 and 2009, the top prize for non-fiction was the Montana Medal for Non-Fiction. There was no top prize for general non-fiction in 1996 or 1997.

• 2025 – Ngāhuia Te Awekōtuku, Hine Toa: A Story of Bravery, HarperCollins Publishers<ref name="Need" />
• 2024 – Damon Salesa, An Indigenous Ocean: Pacific Essays. Bridget Williams Books<ref name="2024 Winners" />
• 2023 – Ned Fletcher, The English Text of the Treaty of Waitangi. Bridget Williams Books<ref name="2023 Winners" />
• 2022 – Vincent O'Malley, Voices from the New Zealand Wars | He Reo nō ngā Pakanga o Aotearoa. Bridget Williams Books<ref name="2022 Winners" />
• 2021 – Vincent O'Sullivan, The Dark is Light Enough: Ralph Hotere: A Biographical Portrait. Penguin<ref name="2021Ockham" />
• 2020 – Shayne Carter, Dead People I Have Known. Victoria University Press<ref name="PW2020"/>
• 2019 – Joanne Drayton, Hudson & Halls: The Food of Love. Otago University Press<ref name="PW2019"/>
• 2018 – Diana Wichtel, Driving to Treblinka: A Long Search for a Lost Father. Awa Press<ref name="PW2018"/>
• 2017 – Ashleigh Young, Can You Tolerate This? Victoria University Press<ref name="PW2017"/>
• 2016 – Witi Ihimaera, Māori Boy: A Memoir of Childhood. Vintage<ref name="PW2016"/>
• 2015 – no award due to change of sponsors
• 2014 – Jill Trevelyan, Peter McLeavey: The life and times of a New Zealand art dealer. Te Papa Press<ref name="PW2014"/>
• 2013 – Steve Braunias, Civilisation: Twenty Places on the Edge of the World. Awa Press<ref name="PW2013"/>
• 2012 – Joan Druett, Tupaia: The Remarkable Story of Captain Cook's Polynesian Navigator. Random House NZ<ref name="PW2012"/>
• 2011 – Chris Bourke, Blue Smoke: The Lost Dawn of New Zealand Popular Music 1918–1964. Auckland University Press<ref name="PW2011"/>
• 2010 – Judith Binney, Encircled Lands: Te Urewera, 1820–1921. Bridget Williams Books<ref name="PW2010"/>
• 2009 – Jill Trevelyan, Rita Angus: An Artist's Life. Te Papa Press<ref name="PW2009"/>
• 2008 – Janet Hunt, Wetlands of New Zealand. Random House NZ<ref name="PW2008"/>
• 2007 – Audrey Eagle, Eagle's Complete Trees and Shrubs of New Zealand. Te Papa Press<ref name="PW2007"/>
• 2006 – Philip Simpson, Pōhutukawa & Rātā: New Zealand's Iron-hearted Trees. Te Papa Press<ref name="PW2006"/>
• 2005 – Douglas Lloyd Jenkins, At Home: A Century of New Zealand Design. Godwit Press<ref name="PW2005"/>
• 2004 – Anne Salmond, The Trial of the Cannibal Dog. Allen Lane / Penguin Group (NZ)<ref name="PW2004"/>
• 2003 – Michael Cooper, Wine Atlas of New Zealand. Hodder Moa Beckett<ref name="PW2003"/>
• 2002 – Lynley Hood, A City Possessed: The Christchurch Civic Creche Case. Longacre Press<ref name="PW2002"/>
• 2001 – Michael King, Wrestling with the Angel: A Life of Janet Frame. Viking Press<ref name="PW2001"/>
• 2000 – Grahame Sydney, The Art of Grahame Sydney. Longacre Press<ref name="PW2000"/>
• 1999 – Heather Nicholson, The Loving Stitch: A history of knitting and spinning in New Zealand. Auckland University Press<ref name="PW1999"/>
• 1998 – Harry Orsman, Dictionary of New Zealand English: A Dictionary of New Zealandisms on Historical Principles. Oxford University Press<ref name="PW1998"/>

Best first book award (general non-fiction)

Since 2022 and between 2015 and 2018, this award has been known as the E H McCormick Best First Book Award for General Non-Fiction. Between 2019 and 2021, this award was known as the MitoQ Best First Book Awards: E H McCormick Prize for General Non-Fiction. From 1997 to 2014, this award was known as the NZSA E.H. McCormick Best First Book of Non-Fiction Prize. In 1996, this award was known as the Best First Book Award, Non-Fiction. The award is named for New Zealand historian and biographer Eric Hall McCormick.<ref name="2021 winners"/>

• 2025 – Una Cruickshank, The Chthonic Cycle. Te Herenga Waka University Press<ref name="2025 Winners" />
• 2024 – Emma Wehipeihana, There's a Cure for This. Penguin Random House<ref name="2024 Winners" />
• 2023 – Noelle McCarthy, Grand: Becoming my Mother's Daughter. Penguin Random House<ref name="2023 Winners" />
• 2022 – Dave Lowe, The Alarmist: Fifty Years Measuring Climate Change. Te Herenga Waka University Press<ref name="2022 Winners" />
• 2021 – Madison Hamill, Specimen: Personal Essays. Victoria University Press<ref name="2021Ockham" />
• 2020 – Shayne Carter, Dead People I Have Known. Victoria University Press<ref name="PW2020"/>
• 2019 – Chessie Henry, We Can Make a Life. Victoria University Press<ref name="PW2019"/>
• 2018 – Diana Wichtel, Driving to Treblinka: A Long Search for a Lost Father. Awa Press<ref name="PW2018"/>
• 2017 – Adam Dudding, My Father's Island. Victoria University Press<ref name="PW2017"/>
• 2016 – Melissa Williams, Panguru and the City, Kāinga Tahi, Kāinga Rua: An Urban Migration History. Bridget Williams Books<ref name="PW2016"/>
• 2015 – no award due to change of sponsors
• 2014 – Rebecca Macfie, Tragedy at Pike River Mine. Awa Press<ref name="PW2014"/>
• 2013 – Quinn Berentson, Moa: The Life and Death of New Zealand's Legendary Bird. Craig Potton Publishing<ref name="PW2013"/>
• 2012 – Michael Smythe, New Zealand by Design. Random House NZ<ref name="PW2012"/>
• 2011 – Poia Rewi, Whaikōrero: The World of Māori Oratory. Auckland University Press<ref name="PW2011"/>
• 2010 – Pip Desmond, Trust: A True Story of Women & Gangs. Random House NZ<ref name="PW2010"/>
• 2009 – Chris Brickell, Mates & Lovers: A History of Gay New Zealand. Godwit Press<ref name="PW2009"/>
• 2008 – Alan Clarke, The Great Sacred Forest of Tane. Raupo Publishing<ref name="PW2008"/>
• 2007 – William Cottrell, Furniture of the New Zealand Colonial Era: An Illustrated History 1830–1900. Reed Publishing<ref name="PW2007"/>
• 2006 – Patrick Snedden, Pakeha and the Treaty: Why It's Our Treaty Too. Random House NZ<ref name="PW2006"/>
• 2005 – Douglas Wright, Ghost Dance. Penguin Group (NZ)<ref name="PW2005"/>
• 2004 – Deidre Brown, Tai Tokerau Whakairo Rakau: Northland Maori Wood Carving. Reed Publishing<ref name="PW2004"/>
• 2003 – Sam Mahon, Year of the Horse. Longacre Press<ref name="PW2003"/>
• 2002 – Steve Braunias, Fool's Paradise. Random House<ref name="PW2002"/>
• 2001 – Paul Tapsell, Pukaki: A Comet Returns. Reed Publishing<ref name="PW2001"/>
• 2000 – Peter Thomson, Kava in the Blood. Tandem Press<ref name="PW2000"/>
• 1999 – Helen Schamroth, 100 New Zealand Craft Artists. Godwit Press<ref name="PW1999"/>
• 1998 – Genevieve Noser, Olives: the New Passion. Penguin Group (NZ)<ref name="PW1998"/>
• 1997 – Jessie Munro, The Story of Suzanne Aubert. Auckland University Press/Bridget Williams Books<ref name="PW1997"/>
• 1996 – Alex Frame, Salmond: Southern Jurist. Victoria University Press<ref name="PW1996"/>

Illustrated non-fiction

Illustrated non-fiction award

Since 2025, this award has been known as the Bookhub Award for Illustrated Non-Fiction. From 2021 to 2024, this award was known as the Booksellers Aotearoa New Zealand Award for Illustrated Non-Fiction. From 2004 to 2020, this award was known as the Illustrated Non-Fiction Award. From 1996 to 2003, this award was known as the Illustrative Arts Award.

• 2025 – Deidre Brown, Ngarino Ellis and Jonathan Mane-Wheoki, Toi Te Mana: An Indigenous History of Māori Art. Auckland University Press<ref name="Need" />
• 2024 – Gregory O'Brien, Don Binney: Flight Path. Auckland University Press<ref name="2024 Winners" />
• 2023 – Nick Bollinger, Jumping Sundays: The Rise and Fall of the Counterculture in Aotearoa New Zealand. Auckland University Press.<ref name="2023 Winners" />
• 2022 – Claire Regnault, Dressed: Fashionable Dress in Aotearoa New Zealand 1840 to 1910. Te Papa Press<ref name="2022 Winners" />
• 2021 – Monique Fiso, Hiakai: Modern Māori Cuisine. Godwit Press<ref name="2021Ockham" />
• 2020 – edited by Stephanie Gibson, Matariki Williams and Puawai Cairns, Protest Tautohetohe: Objects of Resistance, Persistence and Defiance. Te Papa Press<ref name="PW2020"/>
• 2019 – Sean Mallon and Sébastien Galliot, Tatau: A History of Sāmoan Tattooing. Te Papa Press<ref name="PW2019"/>
• 2018 – Alison Jones and Kuni Kaa Jenkins, Tuai: A Traveller in Two Worlds. Bridget Williams Books<ref name="PW2018"/>
• 2017 – Barbara Brookes, A History of New Zealand Women. Bridget Williams Books<ref name="PW2017"/>
• 2016 – Atholl Anderson, Judith Binney and Aroha Harris, Tangata Whenua: An Illustrated History. Bridget Williams Books<ref name="PW2016"/>
• 2015 – no award due to change of sponsors
• 2014 – Bruce Ansley & Jane Ussher, Coast: A New Zealand Journey. Godwit Press<ref name="PW2014"/>
• 2013 – Gregory O'Brien & Gil Hanly, Pat Hanly. Ron Sang Publications<ref name="PW2013"/>
• 2012 – John Dawson and Rob Lucas, New Zealand's Native Trees. Craig Potton Publishing<ref name="PW2012"/>
• 2011 – Damian Skinner, The Passing World: The Passage of Life: John Hovell and the Art of Kowhaiwhai. Rim Books<ref name="PW2011"/>
• 2010 – Al Brown, Go Fish: Recipes and stories from the New Zealand Coast. Random House NZ<ref name="PW2010"/>
• 2009 – Len Castle, Len Castle: Making the Molecules Dance. Lopdell House Gallery<ref name="PW2009"/>
• 2008 – Jennifer Hay, with Ron Brownson, Chris Knox, and Laurence Aberhart; designed by Aaron Beehre, Bill Hammond: Jingle Jangle Morning. Christchurch Art Gallery<ref name="PW2008"/>
• 2007 – Audrey Eagle, Eagles Complete Trees and Shrubs of New Zealand. Te Papa Press<ref name="PW2007"/>
• 2006 – Edited by Hannah Holm & Lara Strongman, Contemporary New Zealand Photographers. Vintage<ref name="PW2006"/>
• 2005 – Luit Bieringa, Handboek: Ans Westra Photographs. BWX<ref name="PW2005"/>
• 2004 – Arno Gasteiger, Central. Viking Press<ref name="PW2004"/>
• 2003 – Nancy Pel & Len Castle, Len Castle: Potter. Ron Sang Publications<ref name="PW2003"/>
• 2002 – Joan Whincup & Tony Whincup with Julia Parkinson (designer), Akekeia! Traditional Dance in Kiribati. Susan Barrie<ref name="PW2002"/>
• 2001 – Edited by Ian Wedde, Ralph Hotere: Black Light. Te Papa Press & Dunedin Public Art Gallery<ref name="PW2001"/>
• 2000 – Grahame Sydney, The Art of Grahame Sydney. Longacre Press<ref name="PW2000"/>
• 1999 – Helen Schamroth, 100 New Zealand Craft Artists. Godwit Press<ref name="PW1999"/>
• 1998 – Roger Blackley, Goldie. David Bateman<ref name="PW1998"/>
• 1997 – edited by Sandy Adsett, Cliff Whiting and Witi Ihimaera, Mataora: The Living Face: Contemporary Maori Art. David Bateman<ref name="PW1997"/>
• 1996 – Winsome Shepherd, Gold and Silversmithing in Nineteenth and Twentieth Century New Zealand. Museum of New Zealand<ref name="PW1996"/>

Best first book award (illustrated non-fiction)

Since 2022, this award has been known as the Judith Binney Prize for Illustrated Non-Fiction. Between 2019 and 2021, this award was known as the MitoQ Best First Book Awards: Judith Binney Prize for Illustrated Non-Fiction. From 2016 to 2018, this award was known as the Judith Binney Best First Book Award for Illustrated Non-Fiction. The award is named after the New Zealand historian Judith Binney.<ref name="2021 winners"/>

• 2025 – Kirsty Baker, Sight Lines: Women and Art in Aotearoa. Auckland University Press<ref name="2025 Winners" />
• 2024 – Ryan Bodman, Rugby League in New Zealand: A People's History. Bridget Williams Books<ref name="2024 Winners" />
• 2023 – Christall Lowe, Kai: Food Stories & Recipes from my Family Table. Bateman Books<ref name="2023 Winners" />
• 2022 – Bridget Hackshaw, The Architect and the Artists: Hackshaw, McCahon, Dibble. Massey University Press<ref name="2022 Winners" />
• 2021 – Monique Fiso, Hiakai: Modern Māori Cuisine. Godwit Press<ref name="2021Ockham" />
• 2020 – Chris McDowall and Tim Denee, We Are Here: An Atlas of Aotearoa. Massey University Press<ref name="PW2020"/>
• 2019 – John Reid, Whatever it Takes: Pacific Films and John O’Shea 1948–2000. Victoria University Press<ref name="PW2019"/>
• 2018 – Marcus Thomas and Neil Silverwood, Caves: Exploring New Zealand's Subterranean Wilderness. Whio Publishing<ref name="PW2018"/>
• 2017 – Ngarino Ellis, A Whakapapa of Tradition: One Hundred Years of Ngāti Porou Carving, 1830–1930. Auckland University Press<ref name="PW2017"/>
• 2016 – Richard Nunns with Allan Thomas, Te Ara Puoro: A Journey into the World of Māori Music. Potton & Burton<ref name="PW2016"/>

Māori Language Award

Books that meet the general criteria of the fiction, non-fiction and poetry awards and are written wholly and originally in te reo Māori are eligible for Te Mūrau o te Tuhi – Māori Language Award. This award is made at the discretion of a specially appointed judge.<ref name="About"/> Prior to 2019, Māori language awards were presented in 2008, 2009, 2012 and 2013.

• 2024 – Pou Temara, Te Rautakitahi O Tūhoe ki Ōrākau. Auckland University Press<ref name="2024 Winners" />
• 2021 – Tīmoti Kāretu, Mātāmua ko te Kupu!. Auckland University Press<ref name="2021Ockham" />
• 2019 – Tīmoti Kāretu and Wharehuia Milroy, He Kupu Tuku Iho: Ko te Reo Māori te Tatau ki te Ao. Auckland University Press<ref name="PW2019" />
• 2013 – Dame Kāterina Te Heikōkō Mataira, Ngā Waituhi o Rēhua. Huia Publishers<ref name="PW2013"/>
• 2012 – Chris Winitana, Tōku Reo, Tōku Ohooho : My Language, My Inspiration. Huia Publishers<ref name="PW2012"/>
• 2009 – Maori Language Commission, He Pātaka Kupu: Te Kai a te rangatira. Raupo Press<ref name="PW2009"/>
• 2008 – Edited by Huriana Raven and Piripi Walker, Te Tū a Te Toka: He Ieretanga nō ngā Tai e Whā. Totika Publishers and Toi Māori Aotearoa<ref name="PW2008"/>

Discontinued awards

Top awards

Book of the year

There have been a number of "book of the year" awards in the history of the awards. The New Zealand Post Book of the Year was presented between 2010 and 2014, when New Zealand Post was the sponsor of the awards ceremony. The Montana Medal for Fiction or Poetry was presented in 2008 and 2009. The Deutz Medal for Fiction or Poetry was presented between 1998 and 2007. The Book of the Year/Cultural Heritage Award was presented in 1996 and 1997. Template:Div col

• 2014 – Jill Trevelyan, Peter McLeavey: The life and times of a New Zealand art dealer. Te Papa Press<ref name="PW2014"/>
• 2013 – Kirsty Gunn, The Big Music. Faber and Faber<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name="PW2013"/>

• 2012 – John Dawson and Rob Lucas, New Zealand's Native Trees. Craig Potton Publishing<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref name="PW2012"/>
• 2011 – Chris Bourke, Blue Smoke: The Lost Dawn of New Zealand Popular Music 1918–1964. Auckland University Press<ref name="PW2011"/>
• 2010 – Judith Binney, Encircled Lands: Te Urewera, 1820–1921. Bridget Williams Books<ref name="PW2010"/>
• 2009 – Emily Perkins, A Novel About My Wife. Bloomsbury<ref name="PW2009"/>
• 2008 – Charlotte Grimshaw, Opportunity. Random House NZ<ref name="PW2008"/>
• 2007 – Lloyd Jones, Mister Pip. Penguin<ref name="PW2007"/>
• 2006 – Maurice Gee, Blindsight. Penguin<ref name="PW2006"/>
• 2005 – Patricia Grace, Tu. Penguin Group (NZ)<ref name="PW2005"/>
• 2004 – Annamarie Jagose, Slow Water. Victoria University Press<ref name="PW2004"/>
• 2003 – Stephanie Johnson, The Shag Incident. Vintage<ref name="PW2003"/>
• 2002 – Craig Marriner, Stonedogs. Vintage Books<ref name="PW2002"/>
• 2001 – Lloyd Jones, The Book of Fame. Penguin Group (NZ)<ref name="PW2001"/>
• 2000 – Owen Marshall, Harlequin Rex. Vintage<ref name="PW2000"/>
• 1999 – Elizabeth Knox, The Vintner's Luck. Victoria University Press<ref name="PW1999"/>
• 1998 – Maurice Gee, Live Bodies. Penguin Group (NZ)<ref name="PW1998"/>
• 1997 – Jessie Munro, The Story of Suzanne Aubert. Auckland University Press/Bridget Williams Books<ref name="PW1997"/>
• 1996 – Judith Binney, Redemption Songs – A Life of Te Kooti Arikirangi Te Turuki. Auckland University Press/Bridget Williams Books<ref name="PW1996"/>

People's choice award

The People's Choice Award was presented from 2010 to 2014. Before 2010, this award was known as the Readers' Choice Award. There were no people's choice awards in 1996 or 1997. Template:Div col

• 2014 – Eleanor Catton, The Luminaries. Victoria University Press<ref name="PW2014"/>
• 2013 – Jarrod Gilbert, Patched: The History of Gangs in New Zealand. Auckland University Press<ref name="PW2013"/>
• 2012 – Sue Orr, From Under the Overcoat. Vintage, Random House NZ<ref name="PW2012"/>
• 2011 – Chris Bourke, Blue Smoke: The Lost Dawn of New Zealand Popular Music 1918–1964. Auckland University Press<ref name="PW2011"/>
• 2010 – Al Brown, Go Fish: Recipes and stories from the New Zealand Coast. Random House NZ<ref name="PW2010"/>
• 2009 – Kate De Goldi, The 10 pm Question. Longacre Press<ref name="PW2009"/>
• 2008 – Mary McCallum, The Blue. Penguin Group (NZ)<ref name="PW2008"/>
• 2007 – Lloyd Jones, Mister Pip. Penguin<ref name="PW2007"/>
• 2006 (joint) – Maurice Gee, Blindsight. Penguin<ref name="PW2006"/>
• 2006 (joint) – Fiona Kidman, The Captive Wife. Vintage<ref name="PW2006"/>
• 2005 – Julie Le Clerc and John Bougen, Made in Morocco: A Journey of Exotic Tastes and Places. Penguin Group (NZ)<ref name="PW2005"/>
• 2004 – Michael King, The Penguin History of New Zealand. Penguin Group (NZ)<ref name="PW2004"/>
• 2003 – Glenn Colquhoun, Playing God. Steele Roberts<ref name="PW2003"/>
• 2002 – Lynley Hood, A City Possessed: The Christchurch Civic Creche Case. Longacre Press<ref name="PW2002"/>
• 2001 – Michael King, Wrestling with the Angel: A Life of Janet Frame. Viking Press<ref name="PW2001"/>
• 2000 – Grahame Sydney, The Art of Grahame Sydney. Longacre Press<ref name="PW2000"/>
• 1999 – Elizabeth Knox, The Vintner's Luck. Victoria University Press<ref name="PW1999"/>
• 1998 – Edited by Malcolm McKinnon, New Zealand Historical Atlas. David Bateman<ref name="PW1998"/>

Booksellers' choice award

The Nielsen Booksellers' Choice Award was only presented in 2013 and 2014.

• 2014 – Harry Broad & Rob Suisted, Molesworth: Stories from New Zealand's largest high country station. Craig Potton Publishing<ref name="PW2014"/>
• 2013 – Shaun Barnett, Rob Brown & Geoff Spearpoint, Shelter from the Storm: The story of New Zealand's backcountry huts. Craig Potton Publishing<ref name="PW2013"/>

Lifetime achievement award

The A W Reed Award for Contribution to New Zealand Literature Award was presented in 2004. From 2000 to 2002 this award was known as the A W Reed Lifetime Achievement Award.

• 2004 – Joy Cowley<ref name="PW2004"/>
• 2002 – Maurice Shadbolt<ref name="PW2002"/>
• 2001 – Dame Fiona Kidman<ref name="PW2001"/>
• 2000 – Allen Curnow<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Non-fiction category awards

History

This award ended in 2009. Before 2001, a single award was given for History and Biography. Template:Div col

• 2009 – Richard Boast, Buying the Land, Selling the Land. Victoria University Press<ref name="PW2009"/>
• 2008 – Hilary Mitchell & John Mitchell, Te Tau Ihu o Te Waka Volume II: Te Ara Hou – The New Society. Huia Publishers<ref name="PW2008"/>
• 2007 – Edited by K.R. Howe, Vaka Moana: Voyages of the Ancestors. David Bateman<ref name="PW2007"/>
• 2006 – Rosemary McLeod, Thrift to Fantasy: Home Textile Crafts of the 1930s – 1950s. Vintage<ref name="PW2006"/>
• 2005 – Douglas Lloyd Jenkins, At Home: A Century of New Zealand Design. Godwit Press<ref name="PW2005"/>
• 2004 – Anne Salmond, The Trial of the Cannibal Dog. Allen Lane / Penguin Group (NZ)<ref name="PW2004"/>
• 2003 – Jim McAloon, No Idle Rich: The Wealthy in Canterbury & Otago 1840 – 1914. University of Otago Press<ref name="PW2003"/>
• 2002 – Lynley Hood, A City Possessed: The Christchurch Civic Creche Case. Longacre Press<ref name="PW2002"/>
• 2001 – Edited by Te Miringa Hohaia, Gregory O'Brien & Lara Strongman, Parihaka: The Art of Passive Resistance. City Gallery Wellington, Trustees of Parihaka Pa & Victoria University Press<ref name="PW2001"/>
• 2000 – Chris Maclean, Kapiti. The Whitcombe Press<ref name="PW2000"/>
• 1998 – Harry Orsman, Dictionary of New Zealand English: A Dictionary of New Zealandisms on Historical Principles. Oxford University Press<ref name="PW1998"/>

Biography

This award ended in 2009. Before 2001, a single award was given for History and Biography. Template:Div col

• 2009 – Jill Trevelyan, Rita Angus: An Artist's Life. Te Papa Press<ref name="PW2009"/>
• 2008 – Judy Siers, The Life and Times of James Walter Chapman-Taylor. Millwood Heritage Productions Ltd<ref name="PW2008"/>
• 2007 – Philip Norman, Douglas Lilburn: His Life and Music. Canterbury University Press<ref name="PW2007"/>
• 2006 – Graeme Dingle, Dingle. Vintage<ref name="PW2006"/>
• 2005 – Martin Edmond, Chronicle of the Unsung. Auckland University Press<ref name="PW2005"/>
• 2004 – Rachel Barrowman, Mason. Victoria University Press<ref name="PW2004"/>
• 2003 – Philip Temple, A Sort of Conscience: The Wakefields. Auckland University Press<ref name="PW2003"/>
• 2002 – Peter Wells, Long Loop Home. Vintage<ref name="PW2002"/>
• 2001 – Michael King, Wrestling with the Angel: A Life of Janet Frame. Viking Press<ref name="PW2001"/>
• 1999 – Kevin Ireland, Under the Bridge and Over the Moon. Vintage<ref name="PW1999"/>

Environment

The Environment award ended in 2009. From 1998 to 1999, this award was titled the Environment & Heritage Award. From 1996 to 1997, this award was titled the Natural Heritage Award. Template:Div col

• 2009 – edited by Ian J. Graham, A Continent on the Move: New Zealand Geoscience into the 21st Century. Geological Society of New Zealand<ref name="PW2009"/>
• 2008 – Janet Hunt, Wetlands of New Zealand. Random House NZ<ref name="PW2008"/>
• 2007 – George Gibbs, Ghosts of Gondwana. Craig Potton Publishing<ref name="PW2007"/>
• 2006 – Philip Simpson, Pōhutukawa & Rātā: New Zealand's Iron-hearted Trees. Vintage<ref name="PW2006"/>
• 2005 – Anne Rimmer, Tiritiri Matangi: A Model of Conservation. Tandem Press<ref name="PW2005"/>
• 2004 – Peter Batson, Deep New Zealand. Canterbury University Press<ref name="PW2004"/>
• 2003 – Geoff Chapple, Te Araroa: The New Zealand Trail. Random House NZ<ref name="PW2003"/>
• 2002 – Bob Harvey, Rolling Thunder: The Spirit of Karekare. Exisle Publishing<ref name="PW2002"/>
• 2001 – Philip Simpson, Dancing Leaves: The Story of New Zealand's Cabbage Tree. Canterbury University Press<ref name="PW2001"/>
• 2000 – Shaun Barnett & Rob Brown, Classic Tramping in New Zealand . Craig Potton Publishing<ref name="PW2000"/>
• 1999 – Gerard Hutching, The Natural World of New Zealand. Penguin Group (NZ)<ref name="PW1999"/>
• 1998 – Peter Johnson, Pick of the Bunch: New Zealand Wildflowers. Longacre Press<ref name="PW1998"/>
• 1997 – John Dawson, photography by Rob Lucas, New Zealand Coast and Mountain Plants: Their Communities and Lifestyles. Victoria University Press<ref name="PW1997"/>
• 1996 – Neville Peat and Brian Patrick, Wild Dunedin: The Natural History of New Zealand's Wildlife Capital. Otago University Press<ref name="PW1996"/>

Lifestyle & Contemporary Culture

The Lifestyle & Contemporary Choice award ended in 2009. From 2000 to 2001, this award was the Lifestyle Award. From 1998 to 1999, this award was the Lives & Lifestyle Award. From 1996 to 1997, this award was the Leisure & Lifestyle Award. Template:Div col

• 2009 – Alexa Johnston. Ladies, A Plate: Traditional Home Baking. Penguin Group (NZ)<ref name="PW2009"/>
• 2008 – Ngahuia Te Awekotuku, Mau Moko: The World of Maori Tattoo. Penguin Group (NZ)<ref name="PW2008"/>
• 2007 – Ann Packer, Stitch: Contemporary New Zealand Textile Artists. Random House<ref name="PW2007"/>
• 2006 – Justin Paton, How to Look at a Painting. Vintage<ref name="PW2006"/>
• 2005 – Gareth Shute, Hip Hop Music in Aotearoa. Reed Publishing<ref name="PW2005"/>
• 2004 – John Kent & David Hallett, Classic Fly Fishing. Craig Potton Publishing<ref name="PW2004"/>
• 2003 – Michael Cooper, Wine Atlas of New Zealand. Hodder Moa Beckett<ref name="PW2003"/>
• 2002 – Lynnsay Rongokea & John Dalley (photographer), The Art of Tivaevae: Traditional Cook Islands Quilting. Godwit<ref name="PW2002"/>
• 2001 – Julie Biuso & Ian Batchelor (photographer), Fresh. New Holland Publishers<ref name="PW2001"/>
• 2000 – Yvonne Cave & Valda Paddison, The Gardener's Encyclopaedia of New Zealand Native Plants. Godwit Press<ref name="PW2000"/>
• 1999 — Heather Nicholson, The Loving Stitch: A History of Knitting and Spinning in New Zealand. Auckland University Press<ref name="PW1999"/>
• 1998 – Geoff Thomas, The Complete New Zealand Fisherman. David Bateman<ref name="PW1998"/>
• 1997 – Michael Cooper, photography by John McDermott, The Wines and Vineyards of New Zealand. Hodder Moa Beckett<ref name="PW1997"/>
• 1996 – Michael Lee-Richards, Cook!. Reed<ref name="PW1996"/>

Reference and Anthology

The Reference and Anthology award was presented between 2002 and 2009. Template:Div col

• 2009 – C.K. Stead, Collected Poems 1951–2006. Auckland University Press<ref name="PW2009"/>
• 2008 – Gregory O'Brien, A Nest of Singing Birds: 100 Years of the New Zealand School Journal. Learning Media Ltd.<ref name="PW2008"/>
• 2007 – William Cottrell, Furniture of the New Zealand Colonial Era: An Illustrated History 1830–1900. Reed Publishing<ref name="PW2007"/>
• 2006 – Edited by Damien Wilkins, Great Sporting Moments: The best of Sport magazine 1988 – 2004. Victoria University Press<ref name="PW2006"/>
• 2005 – Edited by Tony Deverson & Graeme Kennedy, The New Zealand Oxford Dictionary. Oxford University Press<ref name="PW2005"/>
• 2004 – Edited by Albert Wendt, Reina Whaitiri & Robert Sullivan, Whetu Moana. Auckland University Press<ref name="PW2004"/>
• 2003 – Edited by Paul Morris, Harry Ricketts & Mike Grimshaw, Spirit in a Strange Land: A Selection of New Zealand Spiritual Verse. Godwit Press<ref name="PW2003"/>
• 2002 – Hirini Moko Mead & Neil Grove, Nga Pepeha a Nga Tipuna: The Sayings of the Ancestors. Victoria University Press<ref name="PW2002"/>

Fiction runner up and Honour Awards

Fiction runner up

An award for the runner-up(s) in the Fiction category was presented from 2000 to 2009.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Template:Div col

• 2009 (joint) – Kate De Goldi, The 10 pm Question. Longacre Press
• 2009 (joint) –Bernard Beckett, Acid Song. Longacre Press
• 2008 – Laurence Fearnley, Edwin & Matilda. Penguin Group (NZ)
• 2007 (joint) – Damien Wilkins, The Fainter. Victoria University Press
• 2007 (joint) – Nigel Cox, The Cowboy Dog. Victoria University Press
• 2006 (joint) – Fiona Kidman, The Captive Wife. Vintage
• 2006 (joint) – Nigel Cox, Responsibility. Victoria University Press
• 2005 (joint) – C K Stead, Mansfield. Vintage Books
• 2005 (joint) – Nigel Cox, Tarzan Presley. Victoria University Press
• 2004 (joint) – Maurice Gee, The Scornful Moon. Penguin Group (NZ)
• 2004 (joint) – Peter Wells, Iridescence. Vintage Books
• 2003 (joint) – Fiona Farrell, The Hopeful Traveller. Vintage Books
• 2003 (joint) – Owen Marshall, When Gravity Snaps. Vintage Books
• 2002 (joint) – Elizabeth Knox, Billie's Kiss. Victoria University Press
• 2002 (joint) – Lloyd Jones, Here at the End of the World We Learn To Dance. Penguin Group (NZ)
• 2001 (joint) – Charlotte Randall, The Curative. Penguin Group (NZ)
• 2001 (joint) – Damien Wilkins, Nineteen Widows Under Ash. Victoria University Press
• 2000 (joint) – Catherine Chidgey, Golden Deeds. Victoria University Press
• 2000 (joint) – C.K. Stead, Talking About O'Dwyer. Penguin Group (NZ)

Honour Award

• 2002 – Te Onehou Phillis, Eruera Manuera. Huia Publishers<ref name="PW2002"/>
• 1997 (fiction) – Maurice Shadbolt, Dove on the Waters. David Ling<ref name="PW1997"/>
• 1997 (poetry) – J. C. Sturm, Dedications. Steele Roberts<ref name="PW1997"/>
• 1996 – Pei Te Hurinui Jones, translated by Bruce Biggs, Nga Iwi o Tainui: The Traditional History of the Tainui People – Nga Koorero Tuku o Nga Tuupuna. Auckland University Press

Other awards

BPANZ Review Page or Programme Award

This award ended in 2009. Before 2006, this award was known as the Review Pages/Section of the Year Award. Template:Div col

• 2009 – New Zealand Listener<ref name="PW2009"/>
• 2008 – New Zealand Listener<ref name="PW2008"/>
• 2007 – New Zealand Listener<ref name="PW2007"/>
• 2006 – Dominion Post<ref name="PW2006"/>
• 2005 – North & South<ref name="PW2005"/>
• 2004 – New Zealand Listener<ref name="PW2004"/>
• 2003 – New Zealand Listener<ref name="PW2003"/>
• 2002 – North & South<ref name="PW2002"/>
• 2001 – The Evening Post<ref name="PW2001"/>
• 2000 – The Evening Post<ref name="PW2000"/>
• 1999 – Landfall<ref name="PW1999"/>
• 1998 – The Evening Post<ref name="PW1998"/>

BPANZ Reviewer of the Year Award

This award ended in 2009. Before 2006, this award was known as the Reviewer of the Year. Template:Div col

• 2009 – David Eggleton<ref name="PW2009"/>
• 2008 – Charlotte Grimshaw<ref name="PW2008"/>
• 2007 – David Eggleton<ref name="PW2007"/>
• 2006 – Jolisa Gracewood<ref name="PW2006"/>
• 2005 – Tony Simpson<ref name="PW2005"/>
• 2004 – Michael King<ref name="PW2004"/>
• 2003 – David Eggleton<ref name="PW2003"/>
• 2002 – Jane Hurley<ref name="PW2002"/>
• 2001 – David Eggleton<ref name="PW2001"/>
• 2000 – Michael King<ref name="PW2000"/>
• 1999 – Iain Sharp<ref name="PW1999"/>
• 1998 – Graeme Lay<ref name="PW1998"/>

See also

• New Zealand Post Children's Book Awards
• List of New Zealand literary awards

External links

• Template:Official website
• Ockham New Zealand Book Awards at Christchurch City Libraries, 2016–2021, with covers and links
• New Zealand Post Book Awards at Christchurch City Libraries, 2010–2014, with covers and links
• Montana New Zealand Book Awards at Christchurch City Libraries, 1996–2009, with covers and links
• Montana Book Awards at Christchurch City Libraries, 1994–1995, with covers and links
• New Zealand Book Awards at Christchurch City Libraries, 1976–1995, with covers and links
• Goodman Fielder Wattie Book Awards at Christchurch City Libraries, 1968–1993, with covers and links