• You can apply for funding for up to 5 audiobooks per application and a total of 10 audiobooks across the funding rounds.
• You can apply for funding of up to 50% of the production and distribution costs of each audio book, up to a maximum amount of $5K per audiobook.
• Funding is available to support production and distribution costs but we are unable to support the purchase of recording equipment or contribute to marketing and promotion expenses.
• Retrospective funding for audiobooks already produced is not available.
• Projects which have already received government funding for the audiobook/s for which you’re seeking funding are not eligible. If you have received other government funding for publishing in a different format, e.g. print then you are eligible to apply for the audiobook funding.
• We expect that your audiobook will be produced within six months of you receiving funding.

We accept applications from:

• Publishers based in Aotearoa New Zealand seeking funding for an audio book written by a citizen or permanent resident of Aotearoa New Zealand.
• Publishers must demonstrate they are the exclusive legal copyright holders for each audiobook they are requesting funding for.
• Publishers with a proven track record and have published a minimum of 5 books which have been successfully distributed in Aotearoa New Zealand.
• Publishers who can confirm that they will meet the PANZ-advised minimum audio specifications and requirements. See page 25 of A Guide to Audiobook Production in  Aotearoa.

If you don’t meet the eligibility requirements but feel that you have a strong track record and can deliver to the project outcomes please get in touch with Katherine Shanks – Katherine@publishers.org.nz to discuss further.

We will consider applications for fiction, non-fiction, children’s books and educational titles from publishers that:

• Have published new titles which will also be available in a print and/or ebook format.
• Are seeking funding for books which have already demonstrated proven demand, e.g. books that are strong backlist titles which have sold well in print or are written by an author with a strong online presence.
• Have a strategy which demonstrates a long-term commitment to audiobook production
• Where relevant, provide evidence that books will protect the integrity of te reo Māori language.

• Demonstrate a clear distribution strategy through for example an established platform or a publishers website.
• Include a compelling marketing and publicity strategy which includes strong platform and audience-specific promotion.
• Feature a well articulated budget which include supplier costs, production costs, distribution and promotion.

Priority will be given to:

• Books which respond to matauranga Māori, are written by Māori authors and are written in, or translated into te reo Māori.
• Books that demonstrate inclusivity and diversity.
• Books in a category known to be successful in audio format, please see the Audiobook Production and Distribution in Aotearoa report for further information on popular audiobook genres.
• Publishers who demonstrate a longterm approach to developing a sustainable audiobook list.

PANZ is committed to running a fair and transparent assessment process. The steps are as follows:

• On receipt of your application we will confirm your eligibility and those of the titles you’re seeking funding for.
• Your project will be assessed by a diverse panel of independent assessors with a good understanding of the publishing industry.
• Feedback will be given to unsuccessful applicants and it may be possible for them to resubmit their application following discussion with PANZ staff.

You will need to submit the following documents with your application:

• Completed application form.
• Evidence of rights ownership.
• Budget – please refer to budget templates on p.27 – 30 of Audiobook Production and Distribution in Aotearoa New Zealand for guidance on what to include in your budget.
• Supplier quotes for audio production and distribution.
• Publicity and marketing plan.

If your application is successful you will be required to report on the outcomes of your funding on completion of the audiobook/s and then within one year of publication.