2026 Book Industry Awards Finalists announced for Bookshop of the Year, Publisher of the Year, the Booksellers Choice Award and Audiobook of the Year.
Every book that finds its way into a reader's hands is the result of countless hours of work by people who love stories. A bookseller who pressed it into a stranger's hands. A publisher who took a chance on an unknown voice. A sales rep who made sure it reached the shelves. On 25 July, Aotearoa's book industry gathers in Tāmaki Makaurau to celebrate them all. The 2026 Book Industry Awards honour the booksellers, publishers, marketers and trailblazers whose dedication, creativity and sheer love of books keeps Aotearoa reading — shining a light on the people who make sure stories connect.
Nine awards will be presented across the evening, spanning the full breadth of the industry. From beloved independent bookshops and leading publishers, to standout individuals in sales, marketing and trailblazing roles, to the lifetime achievements that have shaped Aotearoa's book world — the 2026 ceremony promises to be an unforgettable night. Shortlists for four awards are announced today; winners for all awards will be revealed on the night.
This year the awards also celebrate the growing world of audiobooks, with the Libro.fm NZ Audiobook of the Year shortlist featuring six outstanding New Zealand titles — from Jacinda Ardern's memoir of leadership and courage to Mike McRoberts' deeply personal journey back to te reo Māori. Whether on the page or in your ears, these are the stories that have moved, inspired and stayed with Aotearoa this year.
The Aotearoa NZ Book Industry Awards ceremony will be held at Rydges Auckland, from 6.00pm to 9.30pm on Friday 25 July 2026. Tickets are available now at: https://events.humanitix.com/2026-book-industry-awards
NielsenIQ BookData NZ Bookshop of the Year — 2026 Finalists
From Petone to Ponsonby: four beloved independent bookshops vie for NZ's top bookselling honour
This award recognises the independent bookshops at the heart of their communities across Aotearoa. This year's four finalists represent some of the most beloved bookshops in the country.
· Time Out Bookstore (Mt Eden, Auckland)
· Dorothy Butler Children's Bookshop (Ponsonby, Auckland)
· The Women's Bookshop (Ponsonby, Auckland)
· Schrödinger's Books (Petone, Wellington)
Sponsored by NielsenIQ BookData NZ
NielsenIQ BookData provides a range of services to the book industry internationally, aiding the discovery and purchase, distribution and sales measurement of books. The company employs more than 100 staff and has offices in 17 countries, including New Zealand and Australia. NielsenIQ BookData is wholly owned by NIQ.
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