Tony Fomison: Life of the Artist by Mark Forman and Derek Leask's Atlas of the New Zealand Wars: Volume One 1834–1864, Early Engagements to the Second Taranaki War have been recognised for their exceptional design at the 2026 PANZ Book Design Awards. 

Arch and Jane MacDonnell of Inhouse won Best Non-Illustrated Book for their design of Fomison's biography. the judges described it as 'a compelling biography of NZ artist Tony Fomison which is elevated by a series of thoughtful, restrained design decisions.' 

'The two-colour cover and dustjacket feature a photograph by Mark Adams, giving the book a strong visual presence before entering content. The metallic gold endpapers on uncoated stock feel reminiscent of the patina of an aged gilt frame and complement the colour palettes used in the artist’s work. The distinctive display typeface seen on the cover and throughout, balances strength with character. There is a good use of mono-spaced typeface for supplementary information, creating a clear typographic difference from the main body/narrative and giving these references a distinctive typographic quality.' 

Best Illustrated Book was, according to the judges, 'the toughest category to judge', with Alan Deare and Dave McDonald of Area Design winning the title for their work on Leask's Atlas of the New Zealand Wars jointly with Jo Bailey for Mr Ward's Map (Massey University Press, 2024). 

'The Atlas of New Zealand Wars and Mr Ward's Map are both exceptional books,' said the judges, 'and both happen to have wrap around maps! It was impossible to separate them, and we felt both books deserve the acknowledgement.'

Ka mau te wehi!