Since 2006, New Zealand Book Month has been a celebration aimed at fostering a reading culture, with a special focus on engaging children through exciting book-related activities. This year, from March 1 to 31, New Zealand takes an inventive approach to honoring Kiwi authors, boosting readership, and safeguarding their literary heritage. This initiative, driven by non-profit efforts, provides equal opportunities for writers, whether amateur or seasoned, to be recognized within New Zealand. Beyond acknowledging literary talent, the event includes national writing contests and live storytelling sessions.
History of NZ Book Month
Initiated in 2006, NZ Book Month aimed to boost awareness and promote the reading of New Zealand books, while also celebrating and supporting Kiwi writers at all levels. Although initially held in September from 2006 to 2008, October in 2009, and then March from 2010 to 2013, it eventually took place in August 2014. Unfortunately, financial constraints led to its indefinite postponement in 2015. From its inception, NZ Book Month has hosted national competitions, encouraging New Zealand writers to submit their best work. The top six entries would be featured in the annual anthology, the Six Pack. Judges randomly select five entries, while the sixth is chosen through an online poll by New Zealand readers. Each winner receives a prize of NZD $5,000, with The Six Pack sold at NZD $6 and thousands of copies distributed freely to schools and libraries nationwide.
NZ Book Month Timeline
- 1907: The first school book published in New Zealand becomes available to schoolchildren in May.
- 1945: The Esther Glen Award is established to honor one of New Zealand’s top children’s authors.
- 2006: The non-profit initiative NZ Book Month begins, focusing on promoting New Zealand literature.
- 2015: NZ Book Month faces indefinite postponement due to funding issues.
What is National Book Month?
Celebrated in October by the National Book Foundation, National Book Month aims to enhance the culture of reading in the United States.
Why Celebrate National Book Month?
Its purpose is to encourage reading, honor great books and authors, and find enjoyable ways to appreciate literature.
Which Country Has the Highest Literacy Rate?
In 2016, Finland emerged as the most literate nation globally, according to research, with the U.K. ranking 17th, behind countries such as the U.S., Canada, and Australia.
NZ Book Month Activities
- Attend a Local Book Event: From book launches to poetry readings or live storytelling, participating in local book events is a great way to celebrate NZ Book Month.
- Share on Social Media: Discuss your experiences and favorite reads online.
- Buy More Books: Support local writers, particularly emerging talents, by purchasing their books.
- Change Lives with Books: Encourage reading among loved ones by gifting books, potentially transforming their lives.
5 Important Facts About New Zealand Books
- Book Vouchers for School Children: In 2012 and 2013, every New Zealand schoolchild received a $5 discount book voucher.
- Fill a Bookshelf: At the first NZ Book Month launch in 2006, New Zealanders donated books to tall bookshelves in major city squares.
- NZ Book Month Produces a Bestseller: “The Six Pack” became a bestseller in just two weeks during the inaugural event.
- Kiwi Kids Write: In 2009, over 3,000 children wrote letters to their favorite Kiwi authors.
- Books Change Lives: The 2011 “Books Change Lives” campaign was a success, both locally and internationally.
Why We Love NZ Book Month
- Screens vs. Books: Research by Horizon Research Limited found that in 2017, 442,600 adult New Zealanders didn’t read a book, with screens competing for leisure time. NZ Book Month is a welcome initiative to combat this trend.
- Writers Are Important Too: The event promotes New Zealand’s stories and encourages both amateur and seasoned writers to continue their craft.
- Kids Love Books: Libraries, like Lumsden Library, have involved children by encouraging them to share books, fostering a love for reading.
What is the date of Nz Book Month every year?
Year of Event | Day | Day of the week | Take place |
Nz Book Month 2024 | Day 1 Month 3 Year 2024 | Friday | 0 days |
Nz Book Month 2025 | Day 1 Month 3 Year 2025 | Saturday | 0 days |
Nz Book Month 2026 | Day 1 Month 3 Year 2026 | Sunday | 318 days |
Nz Book Month 2027 | Day 1 Month 3 Year 2027 | Monday | 683 days |
Nz Book Month 2028 | Day 1 Month 3 Year 2028 | Wednesday | 1049 days |
Nz Book Month 2029 | Day 1 Month 3 Year 2029 | Thursday | 1414 days |
Nz Book Month 2030 | Day 1 Month 3 Year 2030 | Friday | 1779 days |
Nz Book Month 2031 | Day 1 Month 3 Year 2031 | Saturday | 2144 days |