One of the judges for the New Zealand Post book awards believes the new way it is set up will give Maori books a better chance of taking the top prizes.
Authors will now compete in four categories: poetry, fiction, illustrated non-fiction and general non-fiction.
With fewer categories there will be more money on offer, with the book of the year picking up $15,000.
Writer and broadcaster Paul Diamond of Ngati Haua, Te Rarawa and Ngapuhi says there will still be a separate award for books in te reo Maori, but all other works by Maori authors or on Maori topics are in the general competition.
He told Waatea News the awards are about honouring excellence.
The finalists for the New Zealand Post Book Awards will be announced on 22 June, with the awards presented in Auckland on 22 August.