The inaugural selection of New Voices of Aotearoa, 2025: Wellington essayist Una Cruickshank; Raglan journalist, videographer and nature writer Kate Evans; Gisborne trapper, environmentalist and author Sam Gibson; Auckland actor, producer, radio host and author Matt Heath; Christchurch editor and writer of techno-thrillers, science fiction, fantasy and non-fiction Judy Mohr; Wellington novelist Olive Nuttall; Wellington taangata turi-raised anthologist and novelist Michelle Rahurahu (Ngāti Rahurahu, Ngāti Tahu–Ngāti Whaoa); Auckland novelist and reviewer Josie Shapiro; Auckland writer and arts worker Saraid de Silva; and Auckland TV screenwriter/producer and author Gavin Strawhan.
The Coalition for Books is thrilled to announce the return of New Voices of Aotearoa, an initiative that aims to showcase up-and-coming, must-read, brilliantly talented authors of Aotearoa New Zealand adult fiction and non-fiction.
Selected authors will attend a curated one-day professional development program and photoshoot in Auckland, have the opportunity to showcase their work at an industry event at Auckland Writers Festival, be supported by ongoing promotion by the Coalition for Books through Kete Books’ digital channels and Winter Reading catalogue, and more.
Authors may be nominated by themselves or their publisher by completing the form below. To qualify, an author must have published their first book in the last twelve months (i.e. March 2025-February 2026) or have their second book due for release in 2026. Authors must also be either New Zealanders by birth, hold New Zealand citizenship, or be long-term residents of Aotearoa.
Nominations are open from Sunday 1 March and close midnight Sunday 15 March. Nominations received outside this window will not be considered. Selected authors will be notified in May.
If you have any queries about your eligibility, please contact manager.coalitionforbooks@gmail.com
Entry fee
Payable via invoice, which will be emailed to nominees in April.
Coalition for Books members: $35.00
Non-members: $50.00
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The Coalition for Books is grateful for the continued support of Mātātuhi Foundation in establishing New Voices of Aotearoa.