New Voices of Aotearoa. Nominations are open!

The Coalition for Books is excited to launch the inaugural promotion New Voices for Aotearoa, with support from the Mātātuhi Foundation, to highlight up and coming New Zealand authors. Nominations can be made here by Friday 11 April until 11:59pm Wednesday 30 April. Forms received after this time will not be considered.

New Voices of Aotearoa will showcase new and emerging authors of Aotearoa New Zealand adult fiction and non-fiction. It is aimed at identifying, nurturing and increasing readership and sales for brilliant new emerging writing talent.

Each year, a panel of experts – writers, booksellers, publishers, reviewers and librarians – will be convened to select 10 New Voices of Aotearoa. To qualify for this year’s competition, an author must have published a first book in 2024 or be publishing their first book in 2025. Authors with a second book due to release before December 31st 2025 are also eligible.

The New Voices list will be announced annually in late June and will be amplified through a publicity campaign and promotional collaboration with booksellers, libraries and festivals. 

Our thanks to Mātātuhi Foundation for their support for this initiative.