Celebrate another stellar year for the nation’s literature at the Ockham New Zealand Book Awards. Hosted by MC Jack Tame, the awards are the biggest night in Aotearoa New Zealand’s literary calendar, with winners announced live on stage. After the presentation of the Mātātuhi Foundation Best First Book awards, you’ll hear from the finalists in their own words before the judges reveal their picks for the General Non-Fiction Award, the Mary and Peter Biggs Award for Poetry, the Booksellers Aotearoa New Zealand Award for Illustrated Non-Fiction, and the Jann Medlicott Acorn Prize for Fiction. If you are a fan of great New Zealand literature, frock up and come and show your support! All welcome.

Finalists

General Non-Fiction Award: Damon Salesa; Barbara Else; Jeff Evans; Emma Espiner (Ngāti Tukorehe, Ngāti Porou).

Mary and Peter Biggs Award for Poetry: Megan Kitching; Grace Yee; Bill Nelson; Isla Huia (Te Āti Haunui a-Pāpārangi, Uenuku).

Booksellers Aotearoa New Zealand Award for Illustrated Non-Fiction: Gregory O’Brien; Liv Sisson; Lauren Gutsell, Lucy Hammonds; Bridget Reweti (Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāi Te Rangi); Ryan Bodman.

Jann Medlicott Acorn Prize for Fiction: Stephen Daisley; Pip Adam; Eleanor Catton; Emily Perkins.