As we head towards our general election on 7 November, I've realised I'm a lot less interested in politics than I was three years ago, and certainly less interested than I was three years before that.
There was a time when I'd follow politics every day. I cared deeply about election outcomes, understood the major issues, and could happily spend hours reading policy papers or debating (stirring the pot!) with friends. Politics was my major at the University of Auckland, so it's fair to say I've followed along with interest.
This election feels a little different.
Part of the reason is simply that life has become busier. At the last election, Book Hero didn't even exist. Since then we've built a business, welcomed thousands of wonderful customers and shipped more a huge number of books. It's been an incredible journey, but it also means I don't have the spare time I once had to immerse myself in issues outside my day-to-day world.
But I don't think that's the whole story.
Politics itself also feels different. Like many parts of the world, New Zealand's political conversation seems more tribal, more divisive and more focused on conflict than curiosity. Nuance often gives way to slogans, outrage and the pressure to choose a side immediately.
While studying at university, I read Neil Postman's Amusing Ourselves to Death. One of the book's central arguments is that the medium shapes the message. Postman believed television encouraged politicians to compress complex ideas into memorable soundbites, replacing thoughtful discussion with entertainment.
Reading it today, nearly twenty years later, almost feels quaint.
Political debate is no longer squeezed into 60-second television clips - it's squeezed into a 15-second Instagram Reels. Complex problems are expected to fit inside algorithms designed to reward attention, not understanding.
Perhaps that's why this election has reminded me of the value of books.
Books ask us to slow down. They reward curiosity over outrage. They make room for complexity, uncertainty and ideas that don't fit neatly into a short headline or a social media reel. Whether you finish a book agreeing with the author or disagreeing entirely, spending a few hours with a well-argued case is one of the best ways to understand an issue from first principles.
So rather than telling you how to vote, I thought I'd recommend a collection of books that explore many of the issues likely to dominate this election. Read widely, and head to the polling booth with a deeper understanding of some of the conversations shaping our future!
The Justice System, Crime & Gangs
Crime and the justice system are once again major election issues. These books explore organised crime, gangs, policing and the challenges facing New Zealand's justice system.
Lizzy has been raving about The Valley, which is next on my non-fiction TBR. "What I loved is that it is clear almost everyone is doing their best, but the justice system itself and the lack of funding and resourcing is the biggest issue." — Lizzy's review.
Democracy, Te Tiriti & New Zealand's Constitution
Some of the biggest political debates today centre on democracy, constitutional arrangements and Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Former Prime Minister Sir Geoffrey Palmer has written two excellent books on these subjects that are well worth reading, alongside Dominic O'Sullivan's thoughtful exploration of New Zealand's constitutional future.
Political Leaders & The Inside Scoop
Sometimes the best way to understand politics is to hear directly from the people who have lived it. Kiri Allan served as a minister in Jacinda Ardern's government, and her memoir, released today, offers a behind-the-scenes look at some of the most challenging years in New Zealand's recent political history. It's on my reading list (and we have signed copies!). I also thoroughly enjoyed Barry Soper's One Last Question, Prime Minister, particularly its timely reminder of the importance of investing in infrastructure—an area I believe New Zealand has underinvested in for many years.
New Zealand's Place in the World
Foreign policy, defence and international relationships affect every New Zealander, even if they don't always dominate election campaigns. Our servicemen and women have served in conflicts around the world, often at great personal cost, and their stories deserve discussion.
The Big Issues Shaping NZ's Future
From the future of our health system and the impact of climate change to artificial intelligence, global conflict, the economy and the future of work, these books explore some of the biggest questions facing New Zealanders. They won't all reach the same conclusions - and that's exactly the point!