The most beautifully designed books in Aotearoa have been revealed with the announcement of the 2024 PANZ Book Design Awards finalists.
The Publishers Association of New Zealand Te Rau o Tākupu (PANZ) established the awards to promote excellence in, and provide recognition for, the best book design in Aotearoa New Zealand. This year’s judges faced the daunting task of selecting the standouts from a strong pool of 134 submissions.
“Across the more than 130 entries we had the pleasure of reviewing we were struck by the diversity of book design and artistic expression. Alongside grand and bold designs sat quieter books with intricately crafted typographic detail.”
“We were invigorated by the publishing community's commitment to celebrating and elevating indigenous design. This year’s selections not only showcase extraordinary design but also honour the richness of Māori and Pacific narratives.”
The judges now face the difficult task of narrowing down the winners of the 9 categories and selecting the recipient of the main prize, the Gerard Reid Award for Best Book sponsored by Nielsen BookData. The winners will be announced on 19 September, where attendees will also be able to vote for theBooksellers Aotearoa New Zealand People’s Choice Award. You can find the complete list of finalists and more information on the PANZ awards website.
Have a look at the finalists from Penguin Random House NZ below.
Pacific Arts Aotearoa Lana Lopesi
Penguin Random House New Zealand Award for Best Illustrated Book
Hachette Aotearoa New Zealand Award for Best Typography
- Edited by Lana Lopesi (in association with Pacific Arts, Creative New Zealand |Toi Aotearoa).
- Cover designed by Shaun Naufahu (Alt Group), interior by Shaun Naufahu (Alt Group) & Katrina Duncan
Ngā Kupu Wero Witi Ihimaera
Upstart Press Award for Best Non-Illustrated Book
- Nga Kupu Wero edited by Witi Ihimaera and Te Awa o Kupu edited by Vaughan Rapatahana & Kiri Piahana-Wong
- Designed by Carla Sy
Te Awa o Kupu Vaughan Rapatahana, Kiri Piahana-Wong
Upstart Press Award for Best Non-Illustrated Book
- Nga Kupu Wero edited by Witi Ihimaera and Te Awa o Kupu edited by Vaughan Rapatahana & Kiri Piahana-Wong
- Designed by Carla Sy
The Lucky Taco Cookbook Sarah and Otis Frizzell
1010 Printing Award for Best Cookbook
- The Lucky Taco Cookbook by Sarah & Otis Frizzell
- Designed by Cat Taylor
Fungi of Aotearoa Liv Sisson
Allen & Unwin Award for Best Commercial Book for Adults
HarperCollins Publishers Award for Best Cover
- Fungi of Aotearoa by Liv Sisson
- Designed by Carla Sy
Lucy and the Dark Melinda Szymanik, Vasanti Unka
Scholastic New Zealand Award for Best Children’s Book
- Lucy and the Dark by Melinda Szymanik and Vasanti Unka
- Designed by Cat Taylor
There Was an Odd Farmer Who Swallowed a Fly Peter Millett, Paul Beavis
Scholastic New Zealand Award for Best Children’s Book
- There Was an Odd Farmer Who Swallowed a Fly by Peter Millett and Paul Beavis
- Designed by Carla Sy
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The highest quality books in five genres published between August 2022 and November 2023.