The most beautifully designed books in Aotearoa have been revealed with the announcement of the 2025 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.
“The exceptional calibre of entries this year made some of the categories near-impossible to narrow down into a shortlist, and there was just one category that the judges could agree upon without lively debate,” says convenor Chloe Blades, an artist and manager at Unity Books Auckland.
“This is a testament to the brilliance of the people dedicating their time to bringing New Zealand’s finest books to life.”
The judges must now select the winners of the nine categories and choose the recipient of the main prize, the Gerard Reid Award for Best Book sponsored by NielsenIQ BookData. The winners will be announced at a special ceremony in Auckland on Thursday 18 September where attendees will also be able to vote for the BookHub 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.
Wild Walks Aotearoa Hannah-Rose Watt
Wild Walks Aotearoa is an informative, inspiring and visually stunning guide to tramping in New Zealand, for walkers of all levels and experiences.
‘Welcome to the land of Aotearoa, where waterfalls cascade from mountains that touch the clouds, ancient trees whisper, and wild, untamed wilderness lies.’
The Witch of Maketu and the Bleating Lambs Anika Moa, Rebecca ter Borg
Aotearoa New Zealand's favourite witch is having trouble with her kai. How can she stop the juicy morsels from bleating all day and all night? A hilarious picture book from the wildly creative singer and entertainer Anika Moa that is sure to cast a spell on your heart!
At The Grand Glacier Hotel Laurence Fearnley
From award-winning novelist Laurence Fearnley comes an intriguing story about recovery, reflection and reconnecting with ourselves and others.
Following a disastrous family holiday, Libby and Curtis make a promise: If they ever visit the West Coast of the South Island again, it will be to stay at the majestic Grand Glacier Hotel.
Nanny Rina's Amazing Nets Qiane Matata-Sipu, Isobel Joy Te Aho-White
A heartwarming story about aroha, whanau, passing down traditional knowledge and welcoming in the new year – an English translation of the original Nga Kupenga a Nanny Rina
Nanny Rina is an amazing weaver – she can make all kinds of nets!
Ngā Kupenga a Nanny Rina Qiane Matata-Sipu, Isobel Joy Te Aho-White
A heartwarming story originated in te reo Maori by an award-winning Maori-Pasifika author about aroha, whanau, passing down traditional knowledge and welcoming in the new year.
He kairaranga puhara a Nanny Rina, ka taea te raranga i nga momo kupenga katoa!
That Green Olive Olivia Moore
Kiwi classics and more with a decadent twist, to cook for yourself or for friends.
Everyone has a food story — the recipes and ingredients they've grown up with and grown used to. In That Green Olive, recipe creator and local foodie Olivia Moore shares her story, and shares how to find joy in the kitchen by mixing things up a little.
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