Booksellers Aotearoa New Zealand (BSANZ) and the Publishers Association of New Zealand have announced the winners of the Aotearoa New Zealand Book Industry Awards 2026.
Schrödinger’s Books in Petone has won the NielsenIQ BookData Bookshop of the Year for its tailored curation of books and a year-long series of local and international author events. The prize was presented to the store’s owner and manager, Mary Fawcett, at a ceremony at Rydges Auckland.
The judges praised the store for its strong ties with the community, whose support helped fund a shop redesign.
“Schrödinger’s is an exceptional bookstore that has increased its community reach through creative programmes conducted with a clear sense of purpose,” the judges commented.
“The store’s submission demonstrated the huge effort and hard work put in by the team, led by a passionate owner.”
The award, one of 15 honours presented for industry achievements between April 2025 and March 2026, marks the bookstore’s second win after first claiming the title in 2021.
The other winners include:
- Allen & Unwin – NZ Publisher of the Year.
- A Different Kind of Power by Jacinda Ardern – NielsenIQ BookData NZ Award for the bestselling New Zealand title of the 2025 calendar year.
- Penguin Random House NZ – Marketing & Publicity Strategy of the Year for the launch campaign of A Different Kind of Power.
- Hachette Aotearoa New Zealand – Sales Professional of the Year.
- The Book of Guilt by Catherine Chidgey – Booksellers’ Choice Adult Award.
- Hooked: Learning to Fish – Booksellers’ Choice Children’s Award.
- Alison Shucksmith – Publishing Trailblazer of the Year.
- Anastasia George – Titlepage Bookselling Trailblazer of the Year.
- Speaking My Language by Mike McRoberts – Libro.fm Audiobook of the Year.
- Kevin Chapman – Publishers Association of New Zealand Lifetime Achievement Award.
- Carole Beu, Wendy Tighe-Umbers and David Cameron – Booksellers Association of Aotearoa New Zealand Lifetime Achievement Awards.
A special achievement honour was also presented in memoriam to the late Nigel Latta for his contribution to the book industry.
BSANZ manager Renee Rowland said booksellers continue to “punch above their weight” in a highly challenging market, crediting their ability to adapt and innovate despite rising costs and changing reading habits.
“These awards are a chance to recognise booksellers and publishers who demonstrate an unswerving commitment to excellence and a determination to explore every opportunity to champion local books and authors.”
This year’s judges were broadcaster and memoirist Susie Ferguson, NZ Society of Authors director Jenny Nagle, Australian Booksellers Association president and Matilda Bookshop co-owner Gavin Williams, and Brenda Channer, owner-manager of 2025 Bookstore of the Year winner The Martinborough Books & Post.
