Award for Best Cookbook or Lifestyle Book 2026
Finalist
Designer: Megan van Staden, with illustration by Huriana Kopeke-Te Aho
Title: Māori Ora
Publisher: Allen & Unwin Aotearoa New Zealand
Format: 213 x 160 mm, 312pp. Hardback, sewn, with illustrated endpapers, H&T bands and ribbon. Cover: matt lam with spot UV and emboss
Typography: Headings: Geograph
Body: Geograph, GT Alpina Fine
Publisher’s Brief:
“This is a companion volume to Whakawhetai: Gratitude by Hira Nathan, so we wanted it to sit beautifully next to it while also having its own unique feel. We choose a cooler colour palette this time, again by young illustrator Huriana Kopeke-Te Aho, that reflected the journal’s purpose: to help readers create simple daily habits to live a more balance and intentional life.
It was essential to use an uncoated paper so the book could be interactive – a huge part of its Kaupapa is journalling, so the stock needed to be uncoated so readers could write easily in it.”
Judges’ Comments:
“The hardback cover combined with beautiful illustrations throughout, elevates this from a standard journal to something to be treasured. The richly decorated cover creates a sense of importance and permanence, while the restrained colour palettes across each section provide distinction and aid navigation creating a harmonious design. The size and spacing for the text makes it feel achievable rather than daunting!”
