“My focus is on books by talented New Zealand writers that have the potential to find an audience overseas.”

“The large majority of the books and resources we use are New Zealand published.”

“When I write a piece, it absolutely feels like something that belongs to me. That feeling never really goes away…”

“Literature helps construct our view of ourselves as a nation.”

“The need out there this year for our books is significant.”

“Our writers telling our stories to our children, inspiring them to pick up a book they wrote, and to keep reading? That’s the dream.”

“The entire learning sector benefits from respecting copyright.”

“Books also give me a starting point for great discussions with important people in my life.”

“Books written by New Zealand authors can offer joy and comfort in their familiarity.”

“Parents have also told us how our stories have encouraged their children to read at home and to talk more about their culture and identity.”

“While ten years have passed since my first book was published, the rights in my early work hold a lot of value for me.”

“There are so many reasons that books written and published here are important for young people.”

“I hope that there are more people who will be writing in te reo Māori in the future.”

“Poetry can be used to express emotions, beliefs, and describe experiences in unhindered ways...”

“Books tell stories that feed into the way our society grows and develops.”

“My written and published works are my “back catalogue” and my heart. They represent my hard work but also feel like part of me.”

“I think it’s important that we have te reo Māori resources for new learners — something we can really only create here in Aotearoa.”

“I love that there is more diversity in the voices being published but there is always room for more, so writers and publishers, I say, keep it coming!”

“The hook into reading will be different for every child and the library must offer something for everyone.”

“Mostly, writing is a very solitary challenge so I feel very strongly about the preservation of my creative rights.”