Hot on the heels of last month’s hugely successful Ockham New Zealand Book Awards campaign, the awards’ organisers are on the search for judges for the 2026 awards.

The New Zealand Book Awards Trust Te Ohu Tiaki i Te Rau Hiringa has opened the call for expressions of interest in being one of 12 judges of the 2026 Ockham New Zealand Book Awards.

We are looking for judges who have a deep appreciation and knowledge of New Zealand literature. Applications are welcome from the literature community and from members of the public with relevant experience. Writers, former publishers, editors, festival organisers, academics, curators, teachers, reviewers, critics, booksellers and librarians all have the expertise the Trust is looking for.

Expressions of interest are particularly welcomed from Māori applicants.

Nicola Legat, chair of the New Zealand Book Awards Trust, says judging the country’s national book awards is a demanding role, but it must be one of the most rewarding reading jobs in Aotearoa. “What better way to spend spring and early summer than poring over dozens of fabulous books?”

The Ockham New Zealand Book Awards offer prizes in four subject categories each year: Fiction, Poetry, Illustrated Non-Fiction, and General Non-Fiction. There are also four awards for first-time authors (the Mātātuhi Foundation Best First Book awards) and, at the discretion of a specially appointed judge, Te Mūrau o te Tuhi, a Māori Language Award.

The judging of each of the four principal categories is undertaken by a panel of three judges with the relevant expertise and experience in that subject. One of the three will be appointed as convenor. The judges begin their reading in early-September 2025.

Potential judges may express interest directly or be nominated by members of the literature community and book industry. A panel from the New Zealand Book Awards Trust, which comprises industry stakeholder representatives, is responsible for final selection and recruitment. Geographic, cultural and community representation, as well as relevant qualifications and experience, will all be considered in the final make-up of the panels.

Expressions of interest forms and background information on the judging process and judges’ responsibilities can be downloaded from the Ockham New Zealand Book Awards website or supplied on request by emailing manager@nzbookawards.org.nz.

ENDS

2026 Judging Panel - General Information - read this before applying

Expression of Interest form

Applications must be submitted by 5pm on Friday 4 July, and should include a brief resumé demonstrating the applicant’s experience for the judging role.

The Ockham New Zealand Book Awards are supported by Ockham Residential, Creative New Zealand, Jann Medlicott and the Acorn Foundation, Mary and Peter Biggs CNZM, BookHub presented by Booksellers Aotearoa New Zealand, The Mātātuhi Foundation and the Auckland Writers Festival.