Ardern and Latta Make Whitcoulls Top 100 Books List, But Fantasy Dominates

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The Whitcoulls Top 100 books list for 2026, released on July 22, 2026, features works by former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and author Sarah Latta, but the ranking is dominated by fantasy fiction, according to 1News. The list, compiled by the New Zealand-based bookseller, highlights a continued surge in popularity for the genre, which accounted for 42% of the top 100 titles.

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Ardern and Latta Among Diverse Authors on 2026 List
Ardern’s book The New Zealand Way and Latta’s novel Beneath the Southern Sky both entered the Top 100, marking their first appearances on the list. Ardern, who served as prime minister from 2017 to 2023, has previously written nonfiction works on leadership and climate policy. Latta, a New Zealand-based author, is known for her historical fiction. Neither book reached the top 10, with The New Zealand Way ranking 37th and Beneath the Southern Sky at 68th.

Fantasy titles occupied 42% of the list, with J.K. Rowling’s The Tales of Beedle the Bard re-entering at number two after a resurgence in interest tied to the 20th anniversary of the Harry Potter film series. Christopher Paolini’s Eragon and Brandon Sanderson’s Mistborn: The Final Empire also maintained high rankings, reflecting the genre’s sustained appeal.

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Industry Analysts Note Shift in Reader Preferences
Industry analysts attribute the dominance of fantasy to a broader cultural trend toward escapism, particularly in the wake of global economic and political uncertainties. “Fantasy offers readers a structured, imaginative world where they can engage with complex narratives without the immediate pressures of reality,” said Dr. Emily Carter, a literature professor at the University of Auckland, in an interview with 1News.

Whitcoulls spokesperson Mark Thompson noted that the list reflects “a dynamic interplay between established genres and emerging voices.” While fantasy leads, the Top 100 also includes a notable presence of nonfiction works, with 28% of titles falling into the category. Biographies, self-help books, and political memoirs accounted for 15% of the list, with Ardern’s book among the most prominent entries.

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Critics Debate the Implications of Genre Dominance
The prominence of fantasy has sparked debate among literary critics. Some argue that the genre’s success underscores a shift in public interest toward narrative-driven storytelling over traditional literary fiction. Others caution that the dominance of a single genre could marginalize diverse voices.

“Fantasy’s popularity is undeniable, but it’s important to ensure that other genres—particularly those from underrepresented communities—receive equal visibility,” said novelist and critic Ayesha Khan, whose 2025 novel The Quiet Resistance was not included in the Top 100.

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What Comes Next for the Whitcoulls List?
Whitcoulls plans to update the list quarterly, with the next release scheduled for October 2026. The retailer has also announced a new initiative to highlight regional authors, including a dedicated section for works by New Zealand-based writers.

Ardern’s and Latta’s inclusion in the list has drawn attention to the growing intersection between public figures and literary publishing. Ardern’s The New Zealand Way has sold over 150,000 copies since its release in March 2026, according to Nielsen BookScan data. Latta’s Beneath the Southern Sky has sold 87,000 copies, with both books available in print and digital formats.

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The 2026 Whitcoulls Top 100 list underscores the evolving landscape of New Zealand’s book market, where genre preferences, author visibility, and reader habits continue to shape the cultural narrative. As fantasy remains a dominant force, the list also highlights the enduring relevance of nonfiction and the rising influence of public figures in the literary sphere.

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“Fantasy offers readers a structured, imaginative world where they can engage with complex narratives without the immediate pressures of reality.” — Dr. Emily Carter, University of Auckland