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Growing generations of readers in Aotearoa.

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

Explore our work

Latest updates

Latest updates

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The role of reading ambassadors

The role of reading ambassadors

Hot off the press: April giveaways

Hot off the press: April giveaways

New tool to help writers and illustrators protect their work

New tool to help writers and illustrators protect their work

Hot off the Press: April sector news

Hot off the Press: April sector news

School Library: Term One giveaways

School Library: Term One giveaways

The Reading Doctor: Easy Reads

The Reading Doctor: Easy Reads

Auckland Writers Festival announces unbeatable lineup for this year’s Festival

Auckland Writers Festival announces unbeatable lineup for this year’s Festival

It takes a village: books, schools, and reading culture

It takes a village: books, schools, and reading culture

Literary heavyweights vie for top fiction prize in Ockham NZ Book Awards

Literary heavyweights vie for top fiction prize in Ockham NZ Book Awards

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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.

44K+

School students reached
13

Regions throughout Aotearoa New Zealand
90

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
The Reading Doctor

Our Reading Doctor column addresses barriers to reading identified by everyday Kiwis.
Learn more about The Reading Doctor

06
Annual Pānui / Lecture

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 / Lecture

07
Rāmere Shorts

Fancy a weekly creative writing exercise? Join us for Rāmere Shorts - it’s fun, quick and friendly!
Learn more about Rāmere Shorts

08

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 New Zealand-authored books for children and young adults, reviewed by our member school librarians & teachers.

Hooked on Books
He Ao Ano

New Zealand book reviews by and for Young adult (YA) 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.