HarperCollins Publishers Award for Best Cover 2026
Winner
Designer: Aaron Beehre
Title: Whenua
Publisher: Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū
Format: 260 x 220 mm, 392pp, hard case with printable cloth debossed on front and spine. Two marker ribbons in harakeke and muka colour tones. Printed on 200gsm matt art paper
Typography: Three main typefaces used from Klim type foundry.
Manuka and Manuka Condensed (principal heading typeface) set in a range of sizes from 165pt for the chapter pages through to 37pt for essay headings. Newzald set at 12pt on 16pt leading for essay copy and National set at 14pt on 18pt leading for other commissioned texts.
Judges’ Comments
“This book makes the statement that simplicity can be the most powerful approach. The cover relies on beautifully crafted display typography and a rich, earthy palette that connects directly to the title and subject matter. We liked how the ‘h’ in Whenua draws the eye down from the top of the book. The linen cover adds a sense of understated luxury, creating a confident and refined design. It feels tactile and impossible to put down. The typography is bold, playful and also respectful of the material.”
