Latest from Books

Top 10 bestselling NZ books: January 31

The Ockham effect? Novel re-enters top 10 as book awards longlisters are named.

The 2026 Ockham NZ Book Awards longlists are out – so who’s made the grade and who’s in the shade?

Jacinda Ardern memoir in the running for prestigious NZ book award.

A midsummer miscellany of notable new books for younger people

Ann Packer rounds up her latest top picks.

Nicholas Wade's The Origin of Politics is a sustained attack on the political project of the modern left

Book argues that the “blank slate” ideas of the left can’t compete with human nature.

Book of the day: A World War II hero receives the biography her achievements and bravery deserve

Crash of the Heavens: The Remarkable Story of Hannah Senesh.

With so many new films & series based on novels, book lovers must consider this vital question

From classics to sci-fi romps & rom-coms, 2026 is bursting with book-to-film adaptations.

The Martian’s Andy Weir on writing another novel that Hollywood had to have

After The Martian, Hollywood called early on Andy Weir's latest sci-fi hit.

Top 10 bestselling NZ books: January 24

Can anything shake these books from the top 10?

The NZ books you’ll want to read this year

Listener books editor Mark Broatch on the local titles to look out for this year.

First-class novels, gripping thrillers and mind-expanding nonfiction: What you’ll want to read this year

Make space for the most eagerly awaited books of 2026.

Short story: A purple swamp hen by Miro Bilbrough

Distraction is the theme in our summer collection of short stories.

Top 10 bestselling NZ books: January 10

The local books NZers have been buying over the Christmas break.

Short story: Crossed with the cat by Anthony Lapwood

This year's theme in our summer collection of short stories is distraction.

Book of the day: Some Bright Nowhere by Ann Packer

A story of a dying woman who banishes her husband falls short on emotional impact.

Short story: Maia and the Sparrow by Nat Baker

This year's theme in our summer collection of short stories is distraction.

Book of the day: Service by John Tottenham

Story about a failed-novelist bookseller who hates the world fails to entertain.