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Growing generations of readers in Aotearoa

We deliver engagement programmes in communities & schools to help more New Zealanders read more.

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Latest updates

Latest updates

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Exploring identity through poetry: a kōrero with Matariki Bennett

Exploring identity through poetry: a kōrero with Matariki Bennett

Our picks from the Ockhams

Our picks from the Ockhams

Matariki ki te Ao: A conversation with Izzy Te Aho-White

Matariki ki te Ao: A conversation with Izzy Te Aho-White

School Library Giveaways

School Library Giveaways

Hot off the Press - May sector news

Hot off the Press - May sector news

Hot off the press – May giveaways

Hot off the press – May giveaways

Kate De Goldi named Te Awhi Rito Reading Ambassador for Aotearoa

Kate De Goldi named Te Awhi Rito Reading Ambassador for Aotearoa

Bucking the trend: new research tells us New Zealanders still love to read

Bucking the trend: new research tells us New Zealanders still love to read

Three Aotearoa New Zealand authors make Commonwealth Short Story Prize shortlist

Three Aotearoa New Zealand authors make Commonwealth Short Story Prize shortlist

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Reading makes

Reading makes life better.

life better.

We believe it’s a superpower
that can transform us.

We run campaigns to encourage New Zealanders to read, research our reading habits and barriers to reading, and advocate for the importance of reading.

55K+

School students reached
13

Regions throughout Aotearoa New Zealand
100

Writers engaged

Writers in Schools

We bring writers and illustrators to your students and staff, either in person or virtually.
Learn more about Writers in Schools

01
Writers in Communities

We enable communities whose voices would otherwise be marginalised to tell their stories.
Learn more about Writers in Communities

02
Writers in Youth Justice

We take creative writing to youth justice residences to encourage participation and produce books by rangatahi that reflect their lived experience.
Learn more about Writers in Youth Justice

03
National Reading Survey

Since 2016, our regular national research has delivered insights on reading in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Learn more about National Reading Survey

04
Summer Reading Challenge

Our Summer Reading Challenges help motivate New Zealanders to read for pleasure over the holiday season.
Learn more about Summer Reading Challenge

05
Annual Pānui

The annual Pānui provides an opportunity for one of our country’s leading writers to discuss an aspect of literature close to their heart.
Learn more about Annual Pānui

06
Pōkai Tuhi

Pōkai Tuhi is an initiative to work with more Māori and Pasifika writers to inspire our tamariki.
Learn more about Pōkai Tuhi

07

44K+

School students reached
13

Regions throughout Aotearoa New Zealand
90

Writers engaged

The Writer's files

The most comprehensive online collection of information about Aotearoa New Zealand's writers

Writers In Schools
Translator
Storyteller
Screenwriter
Reviewer/Critic
Poet
Playwright
Performer
Pasifika
Novelist
Non-fiction
Māori
LGBTQIA+
Journalist
Illustrator
Historian
Graphic novels
Essayist
Educational
Editor
Disabilities
Children's author
Anthologist
Academic

Explore the 600 files

Explore the 600 files

Read the latest reviews

School Library

A regular round-up of the latest books for children and young adults, reviewed by our member school librarians & teachers.

Hooked on Books
He Ao Ano

Aotearoa New Zealand book reviews by and for teen readers. Become part of a critical conversation!

How you can help

What's in a name?

Our special name expresses the concept of moving from darkness into light, as told in the Māori creation story. This metaphor can also be used to describe what happens during the process of reading.