Hachette Aotearoa New Zealand, Little Moa, and the Margaret Mahy Estate are delighted to announce the three shortlisted illustrators for the 2026 Margaret Mahy Illustration Prize.

Launched in 2019, the Margaret Mahy Illustration Prize is one of New Zealand’s leading illustration awards, attracting over two thousand registrations with all winners going on to illustrate Margaret Mahy’s iconic books.

This year, entrants were tasked with reimagining the bewitching classic Aunt Nasty. The judges praised the illustrators’ fun and refreshing character studies, which were both wildly original yet filled with relatable touches. 

Alison Shucksmith, Children’s Publisher at Little Moa, said: “The entrants absolutely stepped up to the challenge of delivering a witch that was iconic and truly appealing to readers.”

Bridget Mahy of the Margaret Mahy Estate said: “The witches were a huge delight this year. Lots of the illustrators found inventive ways to add in little moments of wit – providing entertaining details for the judges to find and admire.”

She added: “The Prize is vital for nurturing emerging illustrators in New Zealand, helping them build confidence and strong visual storytelling skills while supporting the creation of homegrown work.”

The winner will be announced on Thursday 27th August 2026.

The shortlisted illustrators for the 2026 Margaret Mahy Illustration Prize

JENIQUE LABUSCHAGNE

Judges' comment: "Jenique provided a submission that felt delightfully familiar. Colourful, sharp, and full of sass - the humour expressed through facial expressions and body language was top-notch. Aunt Nasty’s aloof sophistication is wonderful – there was a fabulously stark contrast between her and her relatable, quintessentially Kiwi family.”

SCARLETT ROBINSON-KEAN

Judges' comment: “What surprise and delight Scarlett has elicited. You feel instantly attached to this portrayal of Aunt Nasty – with her bum bag and practical shoes – she feels like a part of the family. The visual storytelling was thoroughly engaging, and strengthened page by page, through the creative use of point of view angles in the storyboarding.”

SIAN RAFFERTY

Judges' comment: “A wonderful portrayal of a witch (with the most fabulous glasses!). Sian’s scenes were completely immersive, and the drawings were comforting and homely. The slightly angular stylisation of the characters in this story and the beautiful colour palette created a really great page-to-page flow. Such great use of vibrant purple, bouncing throughout the book. A skilful submission where the little details had judges taking a second and third look.”

Find out more information as well as see previous winners.