Jacinda Ardern shortlisted for the 2025 Westminster Book Awards

Former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has been shortlisted for the 2025 Westminster Book Awards, recognised in the category of Best Political Book by a Non-Parliamentarian for A Different Kind of Power.

Now in its 10th year, the Westminster Book Awards celebrate outstanding political writing and are presented by the Booksellers Association and the Publishers Association. The awards honour titles that deepen public understanding of political life, leadership, and the issues shaping our world.

Ardern’s shortlisted book sits alongside works by Sarah Wynn-Williams, Plestia Alaqad and Monica Feria-Tinta. The nomination marks another moment of international recognition for Ardern, whose leadership style and emphasis on empathy, communication and collective action continue to resonate far beyond Aotearoa New Zealand.

Parliamentarians will now vote to determine the winners across all categories, with results announced at a ceremony at the House of Lords on 4 February 2026, hosted by BBC Radio 5 Live journalist Matt Chorley.

The full shortlist spans three categories - Best Non-Fiction or Fiction by a Parliamentarian, Best Biography by a Parliamentarian, and Best Political Book by a Non-Parliamentarian - and includes works examining global politics, climate, disinformation, conflict, and public leadership.

As noted by the Publishers Association and Booksellers Association, this year’s shortlist underlines the importance of freedom to publish, read and debate -particularly at a time when democratic discourse is under pressure around the world.

FANZA congratulates Jacinda Ardern on this well-deserved recognition and celebrates the continued global impact of New Zealand voices in political and cultural life.