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PANZ Councillor for International Louise Russell met by by CIBTC staff member Dun Yixuan on arrival in China

PANZ Councillor for International Louise Russell reports

Thanks to China International Book Trading Corporation and Prime Media, I was invited to attend the ‘Roundtable Meeting for Publishers and Distributors from Countries along the Belt and Road Routes’ in Beijing, as well as the 2025 Huangshan Book Fair, which took place in Hefei, in the Anhui province.

I was one of 12 foreign publishers, the other countries being: South Africa, Poland, Kazakhstan, Nepal, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Mexico and Argentina. Most countries had one representative, though a couple had two, whenever a translator was required.

The delegation was organised by CIBTC with a view to building and strengthening relationships; and exploring the different ways international publishers might collaborate: through import and export opportunities; rights sales; and sharing ideas and resources.

It was a thoroughly well-organised week, and I felt thoroughly looked after the whole time by our Chinese colleagues. It was my first ever trip to China, and I must admit I didn’t really know what to expect leading up to my departure, whether my interests and intentions on behalf of Bateman and the wider New Zealand publishing industry would align with CIBTC. I also wondered whether my inability to speak Chinese might be a massive disadvantage, in terms of doing business.

My concerns were swiftly allayed from the moment I set foot on Chinese soil. I was met at the airport in Hefei by Dun Yixuan, one of the CIBTC staff who was part of the Chinese delegation hosted by Dandi at the Cordis earlier this year. A car was waiting which took us to our hotel, and so my incredible week in China had begun.

The following day the other international publishers and I boarded a bus, along with our CIBTC hosts, destined for the Huangshan Book Fair. It was great to have the chance to see the kinds of subject areas that Chinese publishers are pursuing. The international guests were told we each had a booth, and where they were located. I didn’t really know what this would look like exactly, but imagine my surprise walking up to a giant photo of myself and the other NZ publishers who had attended this year’s Frankfurt Book Fair.

Next, we all gathered for the formal part of the day’s proceedings. I was honoured to be invited on stage to represent the Oceania Writers and Publishers’ Society. Here, the international ‘China Anhui Bookshelf’ was unveiled. The first batch of Anhui Bookshelves will be established in New Zealand, Nepal and South Africa, showcasing high-quality Anhui publications in literature, art, history and more.

After many speeches and many photos taken, we headed to a hotel for a delicious lunch featuring signature dishes from the Anhui region, hosted by Mr Xie Gang, Vice President of China International Communications Group (CICG). Following on from lunch we had a guided tour of a new state-of-the-art children’s educational playground and a bookstore.

The next day we headed to Beijing via bullet train where, we were invited to a welcome feast of specialty local dishes by Foreign Language Press, a division of CIBTC. The Nepalese publisher Kiran Gautaum was our self-appointed party coordinator, and he commandeered the microphone and got everyone drinking Baiju rice wine and singing something from their homeland. The singing continued into the evening, with several of us heading along the road from our hotel for karaoke.

The next day was the roundtable meeting for publishers and distributors from partner countries of the Belt and Road Initiative. There were a number of illuminating speeches from the hosts, and from some of the visiting publishers and distributors. I was honoured to be invited to speak on behalf of Bateman and as a Council member of PANZ about the industry in New Zealand and the rich, vital and diverse publishing we produce across all sectors.

After the speeches we were invited to meet with a selection of talented artisan craftspeople with a view to how we might venture beyond the book form into different mediums. That afternoon we visited the CIBTC offices, including the international bookstore they have there, then the visitors were each offered a chance for a one-on-one meeting – mine was with the imports team and it was great to make that connection and begin discussions for how we might work together. The CIBTC expressed interest in importing English-language titles for distribution amongst Chinese libraries. I will follow up on this before Christmas and report back to PANZ Council on how New Zealand publishers might be able to capitalise on this opportunity.

In summary, my time in China taught me how eager our Chinese publishing counterparts are to strengthen cooperation with distributors from countries along the Belt and Road, and jointly explore new global market opportunities. I think it would make a lot of sense for the publishing community of Aotearoa to engage in dialogue and actively explore the potential of such partnerships.

The Publishers Association of New Zealand / Te Rau o Tākupu (PANZ) is delighted to announce that it will assume responsibility for the Whitireia Publishing Course – New Zealand’s only full-time, industry-led publishing qualification – from 2026 and will welcome a capped intake of 20 students for next year.

This decision was a response to the closure of the programme by Whitireia/WelTec, announced earlier this year and follows a PANZ Council vote to formalise a partnership with Whitireia, ensuring the continuation of the Graduate Diploma in Publishing (Applied) and related Microcredentials and preserving a vital pathway into the New Zealand publishing industry.

PANZ President Eboni Waitere says the move represents a significant commitment to workforce development and industry sustainability:

“This course has been a puna mātauranga – a spring of knowledge – nurturing skilled graduates who are already shaping our industry. PANZ is proud to invest in this talent, ensuing a vibrant future workforce. From editing and project management to publishing, marketing and sales, our graduates’ skills make a remarkable impact across sectors.”

Under the new arrangement, PANZ will take on operational responsibility for the course while Whitireia retains NZQA accreditation and student enrolment processes. This continuity allows students to benefit from the course’s unique blend of practical experience, industry placements, and intensive mentorship.

Senior tutor Odessa Owens says the 2026 cohort will be limited to twenty students in order to strengthen the experience of ākonga:

“We are thrilled to work even more closely with publishers to prepare students for a rapidly evolving industry. Our hands-on apprenticeship style programme gives ākonga real practical experience and industry contacts.”

Odessa says students will work directly with publishers, editors, designers, booksellers, and authors to bring real books to life.

Benefits to Industry and Students

By taking a leadership role in the course, PANZ will:

• Ensure a secure talent pipeline, with skilled graduates entering the workforce each year.
• Strengthen industry networks through collaboration between publishers, tutors, and students.
• Support diversity and Te Tiriti commitments, including continuation of the Penguin Random House Māori and Pacific Scholarship.
• Offer members access to interns, placements, and projects that build sector capability.
• Generate sustainable revenue to reinvest in advocacy and member services

Enrolments

Places for the 2026 intake will be limited to 20 students and subject to a minimum number of 15 enrolments and NZQA site accreditation. Interested applicants are encouraged to submit their interest early to avoid missing out.

For enrolment enquiries, visit here.

Whitireia Publishing Course – FAQ

What is the Whitireia Publishing Course?

The Whitireia Publishing Course is New Zealand’s only full-time, industry-led qualification in publishing. Running for over 30 years, it has produced graduates who work across trade, educational, legal, and government publishing, as well as communications and media.

Why was there a risk it would close?

Whitireia signalled it could no longer run the course on its own due to space and delivery constraints. Without industry intervention, the course would have faced closure — leaving a significant skills gap in New Zealand publishing.

Who is now running it?

The Publishers Association of New Zealand (PANZ) will take on operational leadership, including employing tutors, arranging a Wellington site to run the course, and leading promotion. Whitireia will retain NZQA accreditation and enrolment processes.

How many students can enrol?

The 2026 intake is capped at 20 students.

What makes this course unique?

• Hands-on, apprenticeship-style learning
• Two work placements for each student in real publishing environments, and three internships per year
• Two scholarships (Mason Publishing Scholarship and Penguin Random House Māori and Pacific Publishing Scholarship) and two industry-sponsored awards
• Mentoring from industry professionals
• Projects where students take real manuscripts from pitch to publication
• Strong employment outcomes – graduates are in demand across the sector. On average, over recent years at least 75% of graduates are in publishing or publishing-adjacent work within 6 months of graduation.

What are the benefits for industry?

• A secure and diverse talent pipeline
• Strengthened whanaungatanga across the sector

How do people apply?

Enrolments are managed through Whitireia’s website. Students can submit enquiries now and apply directly once the enrolments page reopens. Register your interest via: https://www.whitireiaweltec.ac.nz/study-programmes/creativity/creative-writing-and-publishing/graduate-diploma-in-publishing-applied

*NZQA and TEC approval processes are being completed before direct enrolments can open fully.

Who can speak to media about this announcement?

PANZ Council members Michael Upchurch (michael.upchurch@tepapa.govt.nz) and Graeme Cosslett (graeme.cosslett@nzcer.org.nz) are the primary spokespeople. Course tutors Odessa Owens and Theresa Crewdson available to comment on programme delivery and student experience (publishing@whitireia.ac.nz).

Social Media Tiles are available for download here.

Eboni Waitere (Ngāti Kahungunu, Rangitāne) has made history as the first Māori President of the Publishers Association of New Zealand Te Rau o Tākupu (PANZ), following her appointment at the organisation’s 49th Annual General Meeting.

Highlighting the strength of Māori leadership at the highest levels of the sector, this milestone marks an important shift in Aotearoa’s publishing landscape.

“I’m genuinely thrilled that Eboni is stepping into the role of PANZ President. She brings strategic excellence, mana, unwavering integrity, and a lived understanding of the power of publishing to shape culture,” says Courtney Sina Meredith, PANZ Association Director. “Eboni’s leadership is courageous, considered, and grounded in a vision that reflects the richness and diversity of Aotearoa. I can’t wait to work alongside her as we continue to grow and advocate for a sector that holds our stories at its heart.”

Eboni is Executive Director of HUIA Publishers, which under her leadership won the prestigious 2024 Bologna Prize for Best Children’s Publisher of the Year (Oceania) – international recognition for their bold, rangatahi-focused publishing and unwavering commitment to Te Reo Māori and Māori creatives.

Over the past decade Eboni has helped shape HUIA into a respected name in publishing worldwide with a focus on growing talent, elevating Māori voices, and forging partnerships that centre equity and excellence.

Now, as PANZ President, she’s bringing that same vision to the wider sector.

“I am excited to be of service back to the publishing community,” Eboni says. “We have an extraordinary depth of talent across Aotearoa, and I believe New Zealand’s trade and education publishers are world-class. We’re already exporting stories, voices, and ideas globally – my vision is to build on that foundation through collective strength, collaboration, and bold, strategic action,”

Eboni is known for her kaupapa-driven leadership style. She holds a degree in Education and Māori from Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington and is a 2024 graduate of the Advanced Publishing Institute at New York University. She leads HUIA alongside co-director Panaia Tahau-Hodges (Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāti Tūtemohuta, Tūhoe), and together they are committed to nurturing the next generation of Māori storytellers.

“Literacy rates and our education space are priorities for me,” says Eboni. “Valuing our local content and seeing our stories is important. New Zealand is an international leader in educational resources, we need to reignite that – through stronger investment and cross-sector collaboration.”

Eboni also believes the publishing industry has a critical opportunity to help shape a copyright framework that truly reflects Aotearoa.

“In the age of artificial intelligence, laws must protect creators, uphold indigenous rights, and enable fair access in a digital world. This is a chance to create copyright settings that are future focused, a system that values mātauranga Māori, supports local publishers, and ensures the voices of our storytellers are protected and respected.”

Independent book shops across the motu will celebrate their pivotal roles as community hubs with fanfare events on Aotearoa New Zealand Bookshop Day Saturday 12 October as they continue to trade strongly in a tough retail environment.

Bookstore sales volumes increased by three percent in August on the month prior according to Nielsen BookData. This compares with an increase of just 0.2 percent in New Zealand retail sales overall for the same period, following decreased activity over the previous six months*.

In addition, Booksellers Aotearoa New Zealand (BSANZ) membership is growing, with four new bookshops joining in the last three months.

BSANZ association manager Renee Rowland says the fact that physical bookstores are holding firm and increasing in number is largely due to their role in communities as places that bring people together.

“Independent bookstores are community and cultural powerhouses.

“They are much more than just a retail space. Bookstores enrich the cultural lives of communities. They are helping to keep retail in high streets alive, promoting a positive sense of place and bringing foot traffic to town centres – many of which are struggling.

“Bookstores provide an array of activities and events that reach across generations, bridge rural urban and online communities, help to combat social isolation and loneliness, and support the needs of diverse and sometimes historically marginalised groups,” she says.

A recent BSANZ Pulse Survey found 80 percent of its members held at least one public event a month, with one third of respondents holding more than 20 events a year. These events, curated according to the needs of the community, include book clubs, author talks, book launches across a wide variety of genre, poetry readings, and panel debates on issues of the day.

All booksellers in the survey said they supported community groups and organisations with fundraising, donations and volunteering efforts.

Further evidence of the health of physical bookstores is highlighted in the NZ Publishing Market Size Report (2023) commissioned by the NZ Publishers Association (PANZ). It showed physical bookstores returned a flat trading result, while there was an overall value drop in the NZ book publishing industry’s net book sales of 3.7% against 2022.

“Given the overall drop in value and units sold across the NZ publishing industry in 2023, the fact that physical bookstores are holding firm speaks to the resilience of the local sector,” says PANZ director Courtney Sina Meredith.

Ms Rowland adds that independent bookstore owners go out of their way to create welcoming and safe spaces for all.

“Booksellers are match makers of sorts, skilled at curating events and offering book titles according to the wishes of their communities. They’re nimble and innovative.

“Much of the work undertaken by independent bookshops is at a small scale but collectively it is extremely powerful. These stores, run by hardworking and enthusiastic community-minded people are hubs of activity with a ripple effect of increased social cohesion and positive impacts on attendees’ intellectual and emotional health,” says Ms Rowland.

Physical bookstores account for an average of 64% of all print sales annually in New Zealand.

* Source: https://www.interest.co.nz/business/129699/electronic-card-spending-rose-august-first-time-seven-months-statistics-nz-says

Copyright Licensing New Zealand (CLNZ) is excited to announce that applications are now open for the 2024 round of Contestable Fund Grants. We have $75,000 available to support strategic projects that demonstrate New Zealand publishing sector growth. The Contestable Fund Grants are made possible through the CLNZ Cultural Fund.

Applications are invited for projects that have clearly defined and measurable project outcomes, including projects that:

• Develop the professional skills of writers, including those who write for an education audience.
• Seek to grow export markets for New Zealand published content.
• Demonstrate innovation in the creation and distribution of NZ published content.
• Diverse content that encourages Māori, Pacifica and other minority and ethnic groups to submit within New Zealand Aotearoa.
• Use online platforms to enhance the profile of New Zealand publishing and/or published content, including to international/export markets.

The amount applicants can apply for depends on the project, with the number of successful recipients varying each year depending on the individual merits of the applications received. In 2023, there were 15 successful recipients.

Successful 2022 grant recipient Damien Levi said:

“The grant helped not only to produce our first book ‘Spoiled Fruit: Queer Poetry from Aotearoa’ which was the original goal, but has managed to help me kickstart a

micro-press (Āporo Press) and add new voices to the publishing landscape in Aotearoa.”

Read the full interview with Damien Levi about why to apply for a Contestable Fund grant here.

Applications must be made online and submitted before 4pm Friday 11 October 2024. For more information, and to apply visit the CLNZ Contestable Fund Grants webpage.

Questions about the application process can be sent to awards@copyright.co.nz.

Global audiobooks platform Libro.fm has launched in New Zealand and is set to be a major disruptor in an industry that is seeing year-on-year double digit growth.

The Seattle-based social purpose corporation is the only audiobook e-tailer in the world that directly supports local bookstores, with consumers given an option to select a local bookstore of their choice to receive a commission from every Libro.fm audiobook purchased.

Nick Johnson, a co-founder of Seattle-based audiobooks social enterprise Libro.fm is in NZ this month.

Libro.fm co-founder Nick Johnson is in New Zealand this month meeting with booksellers and publishers.

Mr Johnson says the idea of partnering with bookstores has been an integral part of Libro.fm’s business from the get-go.

“As avowed readers, we knew the model we created had to be friendly to independent bookstores. We’ve seen 21 percent growth in audiobook sales in the last financial year and we’ve been able to increase the amount we share with bookstores.

“Over the last five years, revenue from audiobooks has more than doubled, making it the fastest growing book market globally.

“This is great for bookstores for two reasons. Firstly, the bookstore selected by Libro.fm buyers receives up to 30% commission on every audiobook sold. Secondly, we do not see the sales of audiobooks cutting into the physical book market. People read audiobooks at times when they wouldn’t be reading physical books, like when they are commuting, doing housework, or walking the dog.

“Libro.fm is growing the market for book sales overall,” says Mr Johnson.

Launched 10 years ago in the US and Canada, Libro.fm’s international launch gives consumers in the UK, Australia and New Zealand access to more than 450,000 audiobooks.

“Around 99% of new releases are available to audiobooks’ consumers on Libro.fm,” says Mr Johnson.

Booksellers Aotearoa New Zealand association manager Renee Rowland welcomes Libro.fm’s introduction to the local market.

“We’re thrilled Libro.fm is here and showing interest in New Zealand. As a ‘support local’ enterprise, Libro.fm is a significant and viable alternative to purchasing audiobooks from faceless global conglomerates.

“These mega-corporates currently have 70 percent of NZs audiobook market share. It is in all of our best interests to pull this right back, and instead give business to Libro.fm.

“With its bookstore commission model, large range and competitive pricing, buying from Libro.fm is a win-win for everyone,” says Ms Rowland.

There are already 40 independent bookstores across the motu signed up with Libro.fm.

“We anticipate that the number of bookstores registered with Libro.fm increase significantly by the end of Nick’s visit. Given that there is no charge to a bookseller for doing so, joining is a no-brainer,” says Ms Rowland.

Publishers Association of New Zealand (PANZ) president Claire Murdoch says Libro.fm’s launch here is a significant opportunity for local publishers.

“It’s expensive to produce audiobooks for NZ titles. We are a small market, so in order for our local authors’ books to succeed, we need to maximise the platform’s economies of scale.

“Making local audiobooks visible – so buyers here and overseas can find them – is absolutely central to this. We know our authors’ books are as good, if not better, than those of large countries, but they need to be seen to be bought in the quantities that make this medium cost effective.

“As a smart and nimble social enterprise, Libro.fm has the ability to offer this visibility for our audiobooks. We’re really excited about that,” says Ms Murdoch.

Independent research carried out by PANZ corroborates with Libro.fm’s assessment that audiobooks do not cut into the physical market. It found commuters were the biggest audiobook buyers; leaving their hands free to drive while listening to a book, or multitasking if taking public transport.

The research found that self-help, business and language learning (particularly te reo Māori) were the most popular genres in audiobooks in New Zealand, in addition to fiction titles.

Penguin Random House New Zealand (PRHNZ) is the biggest publisher of audiobooks in New Zealand, with 30 titles published in two years.

PRHNZs publisher Grace Thomas says the audiobook is their fastest growing book format, so Libro.fm’s launch into the local market is timely.

“We’re keen to work with Libro to amplify our fantastic local authors’ books in this format. There’s huge potential.

“We are finding that books that do well as E-books tend to do well in audio. And audiobooks are growing audiences for books overall, with sales skewing to men under 45 years of age. The core demographic for print books is women over the age of 50,” says Ms Thomas.

She agrees with Ms Murdoch that the biggest hurdle for local audio titles is distribution at scale.

“PRHNZ, like most local publishers, has drawn from the Ministry of Culture and Heritage’s audio fund, administered by PANZ, to produce audio books for the market.

“Costs vary for each book, but generally include narration, broadcast quality sound recording and editing. We hope that Libro.fm can become a key player in this market, offering greater visibility of our books so that we can produce more in this genre more profitably. It’s a win – win – win – win for authors, audiobook listeners, publishers and our local booksellers,” says Ms Thomas.

Nick Johnson will present the inaugural Libro.fm Audiobook Award for best local audiobook at the NZ Book Industry Awards to be held at the Crowne Plaza, Auckland from 6pm on Saturday 3 August.

He will be meeting with booksellers and publishers in Christchurch, Wellington and Auckland and is available for media interviews.