New Voices of Aotearoa

New Voices of Aotearoa is an annual promotion showcasing new authors of Aotearoa New Zealand adult fiction and non-fiction. It is aimed at identifying, nurturing and increasing readership and sales for brilliant new emerging writing talent. The inaugural promotion will launch in July 2025.

Each year, a panel of experts – writers, booksellers, publishers, reviewers and librarians – will be convened to select 10 New Voices of Aotearoa. To qualify, an author must have published their first book in the 12 months prior or have their second book due to release between June and December of the promotion year. Authors must also be either New Zealanders by birth, hold New Zealand citizenship, or be long-term residents of Aotearoa.

The New Voices list will be announced annually in late June and will be amplified through a publicity campaign and through promotional collaboration with booksellers, libraries and festivals.