The Publishers Association of New Zealand welcomes the decision by Booksellers NZ to adopt a new constitution focusing on retail booksellers. Since 1992, membership of the organisation has been a combination of booksellers and publishers. Following a decision by publishers and booksellers at the Annual General Meeting of Booksellers NZ in July, a new constitution was ratified on 25 November at a Special General meeting in Wellington.The new constitution will come into effect on 1 April 2010. During the transition period PANZ will hold discussions with Booksellers NZ with a view to forming a new structure whereby the two groups can discuss matters of mutual interest.
“This is a good move for the world of books,” says Sam Elworthy PANZ Vice President. “The decision will enable Booksellers NZ to concentrate on representing book retailers’ interests. PANZ will continue to be the organisation which represents publishers and acts as an advocate for its publisher members. We look forward to maintaining a close working relationship with Booksellers NZ to enhance the culture of reading and writing in New Zealand.”
Booksellers Chairman Hamish Wright said that the change to the Booksellers NZ constitution had been a very amicable arrangement between booksellers and publishers. “The new structure will allow Booksellers to focus on the retail trade while still being able to participate in cooperative discussions and actions with the publishers.”
