Catherine Chidgey Celebrated as Bestselling Author During Waitangi Weekend

Readers celebrated the literary talents of Catherine Chidgey during the recent Waitangi Weekend, where her latest work, The Book of Guilt, gained significant attention. The event featured a unique book giveaway that highlighted Chidgey’s contributions to New Zealand literature, captivating a wide audience.

Chidgey’s popularity soared as she offered six novels, including The Book of Guilt and five previous titles. Participants were invited to submit thoughtful commentary on her work for a chance to win these editions. The contest generated considerable enthusiasm, with numerous entries praising Chidgey’s writing style and thematic depth.

Among the thoughtful responses, Caleb wrote about Chidgey’s exploration of power dynamics, stating, “Reading Chidgey always feels like being asked to look more closely, and to take responsibility for what you see.” Libby shared her admiration for Chidgey’s ability to evoke a sense of impending doom, stating that the author’s work compels readers to reflect on the darker aspects of human nature.

The contest attracted a diverse range of responses, with some contributors expressing almost reverential admiration for Chidgey. Bernie suggested she should be recognized as “our patron saint of NZ literature,” while Pauline highlighted the importance of Chidgey’s narratives for future generations.

The winning entry came from Rohini, a colleague of Chidgey at the University of Waikato. Despite having never read Chidgey’s work, Rohini’s charming submission captured the essence of admiration and humility. She reflected on their brief encounters at work, revealing her apprehension about reading Chidgey’s novels, which she likened to “Icarus” approaching the sun. Her heartfelt confession resonated with many, earning her the coveted collection of six novels.

As the literary landscape continues to evolve, Chidgey’s works remain influential. Her contribution to contemporary New Zealand literature has been recognized with multiple nominations, including a longlisting for the Ockham NZ National Book Awards for her latest title.

The Waitangi Weekend also showcased a selection of bestselling books across various genres. Notable titles included The Last Living Cannibal by Airana Ngarewa, which has also been longlisted for the fiction prize at the 2026 Ockham NZ National Book Awards. Other bestselling fiction titles featured works from authors like Julia Eichardt, Zoe Rankin, and Rachel Paris, all published by Hachette.

In the nonfiction category, Lessons on Living by Nigel Latta and Champions Do Extra by Brad Thorn were among the top sellers. The latter is part of a giveaway contest inviting readers to share their thoughts on Thorn’s rugby career, with entries due by February 8, 2026.

Overall, the Waitangi Weekend provided a vibrant platform for celebrating literature and engaging with authors. The enthusiasm for Chidgey’s work and the diverse offerings from other authors exemplify the rich literary culture present in New Zealand today.