New Zealand's Best First Book Awards proudly supported by Matatuhi Foundation

The longlists for the 2023 Ockham New Zealand Book Awards, announced in early February, include fourteen first-time authors – an increase from the ten debuts longlisted in 2022. The category shortlists will be announced on 8 March, and the winners – including the four Best First Book Awards recipients – will be announced at a public ceremony on 17 May during the Auckland Writers Festival.

The 2023 Best First Book Awards category is proudly supported by Mātātuhi Foundation.

Read all about the history and past recipients of the Best First Book Awards here.