Entries for the New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults!
By Ōtepoti He Puna Auaha | Dunedin UNESCO City Of Literature | Posted: Wednesday Dec 10, 2025
For books published between 1 April 2025 and 30 November 2025, submissions close at 5pm on Friday 12 December 2025. For books published between 1 December 2025 and 31 March 2026, submissions open on 15 December and will close at 5pm on Tuesday 10 February 2026.
The 2026 Awards carry a total prize pool of $70,500, recognising the talent and imagination of authors, illustrators, and publishers across the motu.
Eligibility: Books released between 1 April 2025 and 31 March 2026 can be entered.
Before submitting, please read the Call for Entries pack on our website for eligibility criteria, and other important information.
Key dates: The Finalists will be announced Wednesday 10 June 2026, with winners celebrated at an awards ceremony in Wellington on 19 August 2026.