The winners of the 2026 New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults will be announced at a ceremony to be held in Wellington on Wednesday 19 August 2026.

Any queries regarding the awards should be directed to childrensawards@nzbookawards.org.nz

VENUE: Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui, Wellington's Central Library (56 Victoria Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011)

DATE/TIME: Wednesday 19 August, 9.45am-2.30pm

Over 20 writers and illustrators who are finalists in the 2026 New Zealand Book Awards for Children & Young Adults will be appearing at the Wellington Books Alive events.

A varied programme will include behind-the-book talks, workshops on writing and illustration, live drawing, and lightning talk sessions.

Schools that register for Wellington Books Alive events will be provided with individual schedules that are created especially for them based on the ages and interests of students.

Groups are welcome to attend either morning or afternoon sessions only, or to come along for the whole day.

To register your school group for the Wellington Books Alive events, please complete this quick online form, or email booksalive@nzbookawards.org.nz

Please note that while all Books Alive events are FREE, booking is essential. Spaces are going fast for these events, and it may not be possible to bookings for accommodate large school groups.

The 2026 Books Alive finalist event programme in Wellington is being organised by an expert team at Wellington City Libraries, and is supported by funding from Wellington City Libraries.