Meet the writers shaping the future of New Zealand literature
Eight standout authors set to define the next chapter of New Zealand writing have secured places on the 2026 New Voices of Aotearoa list.
Selected by an expert judging panel and administered by the Coalition for Books, New Voices of Aotearoa is an annual initiative shining a spotlight on exceptional and distinctive writing talent across fiction, poetry and non-fiction.
Now in its second year, NVA is about connecting readers with authors who have already demonstrated early commercial and critical success; a laser point on writers to watch and read now.
The 2026 New Voices of Aotearoa are:
Ōtaki-based writer and public servant Tīhema Baker (Raukawa te Au ki te Tonga, Ātiawa ki Whakarongotai, Ngāti Toa Rangatira)
Auckland-based poet and storyteller Amber Esau (Ngāpuhi, Manase)
Hastings award-winning poet and storyteller Nafanua Purcell Kersel (Satupa‘itea, Faleālupo, Aleipata, Tuaefu)
Auckland-based te reo Māori journalist and author Dr Atakohu Middleton (Waikato, Pākehā)
bestselling Scottish-New Zealand crime writer Zoë Rankin
US-New Zealand forager, fungi enthusiast and bestselling author Liv Sisson
Wellington author of acclaimed adult’s fiction Jennifer Trevelyan
Christchurch academic and historian Dr Madi Williams (Ngāti Kuia, Ngāti Kōata, Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō, Rangitāne o Wairau).
Coalition for Books chair Melanie Laville Moore says readers keen to explore dynamic, fresh and highly contemporary books need to seek out these authors’ books.
‘They’re the interesting writers capturing the mood of the moment while showing readers where literature is headed next. Whether writing fiction or non-fiction, they stand out for their ability to connect with readers through books that are gripping, thought-provoking and deeply affecting.’
The New Voices of Aotearoa 2026 was judged by author, academic and architect Jade Kake (Ngāpuhi, Te Arawa, Whakatōhea); reviewer and former books editor of The Dominion Post (now The Post) and former books and culture editor of the New Zealand Listener Guy Somerset; and bestselling author and co-owner of Wardini Books Louise Ward.
Discover more about the 2026 New Voice authors
The inaugural New Voices of Aotearoa held last year was a commercial success for the recipients.
‘We’re thrilled that the first New Voices campaign saw an uplift in sales for the recipients. It’s exactly what these hugely talented authors need – a platform for exposure, and a path for future success,’ says Laville Moore.
The Coalition for Books is grateful for the support of Mātātuhi Foundation.
To qualify for New Voices of Aotearoa, authors nominated must have published their first book in print between March 2025 and March 2026, or have their second book scheduled for publication before 31 December 2026. They must be either New Zealanders by birth, have New Zealand citizenship or be long-term residents of Aotearoa.
The Coalition for Books is a dynamic, collaborative organisation, tasked with delivering strategic initiatives with the aims of reaching and engaging more audiences with a diverse range of New Zealand books and authors, and enhancing the visibility and sales of New Zealand Books.
