New Zealand Literary Coalition Pushes for Increased Funding

A new initiative aimed at securing increased government funding for New Zealand literature has gathered momentum, despite challenges presented by the current economic climate. The Coalition of New Zealand Books, a significant organization in the literary sector, is rallying support from various stakeholders as it prepares to advocate for its five-year strategic plan, known as Mahi Tahi:2025-2030.

This plan outlines several key objectives, including enhancing funding for writers’ festivals and the Public Lending Right, modernizing intellectual property laws, and promoting the inclusion of writers in diplomatic missions. The coalition seeks to create a dedicated literary funding system, akin to the recently established framework in Australia, aiming to elevate local readership, improve literacy levels, and boost sales of New Zealand books.

Ben Thomas, a prominent lobbyist with Capital NZ, views the coalition’s unified approach as a significant advantage. He noted, “If you can unite people in the literary sector behind the agreed goals, then you’re ahead of most art sectors in terms of advocacy.” He emphasized the importance of presenting a cohesive front to government officials, particularly in a time when fiscal constraints pose challenges to funding requests.

Challenges Ahead for Literary Funding

Despite the potential for a favorable reception from Paul Goldsmith, the Minister for Arts, the current economic climate raises concerns. Thomas pointed out that while Goldsmith is engaged and familiar with the arts, the government’s financial limitations may impede any significant increase in funding. “There are a lot of negative headwinds against any hopes of getting additional funding beyond what exists,” he explained, noting that the government is facing financial pressures that could limit new investments in the arts.

The coalition, which comprises publishers, authors, and booksellers, is determined to advocate for its agenda, with Mel Laville-Moore, the coalition chair, asserting the need for a more organized approach. She stated, “It’s about giving the appearance of being mobilized, of being something that’s bigger than all the little organizations within the sector.” The coalition aims to shift the narrative by presenting its strategic plan to key government stakeholders.

One significant concern for the coalition is the upcoming changes to funding structures. In 2026, Creative New Zealand is set to overhaul its long-standing arts investment model, which has provided guaranteed funding for specific projects. Laville-Moore warned that this change could lead to increased competition among various art forms for limited government resources.

Looking to Australia for Inspiration

The Coalition of New Zealand Books is looking to its Australian counterpart for inspiration. In July, the Albanese government launched Writing Australia, a new initiative that aims to provide substantial financial support to writers and publishers. The initiative includes over $26 million in funding over three years, with ongoing annual support of around $8.6 million. This kind of financial commitment has sparked discussions in New Zealand about the necessity for a similar model.

Mel Laville-Moore expressed her frustration at Australia’s head start in this area, saying, “How galling is it that the Australians got there first?” She emphasized the potential impact of such funding and its importance for the New Zealand literary sector. “Can you imagine?” she mused about the prospect of similar support.

While the coalition faces significant hurdles, there are indications that government departments are beginning to take literature funding more seriously. Laville-Moore pointed to the recent regeneration grant from the Ministry of Culture and Heritage as a sign of progress, despite previous concerns about the allocation of COVID-related funding.

As the Coalition of New Zealand Books embarks on its advocacy journey, it remains committed to engaging with government officials and pushing for the necessary changes to support the literary sector. The coalition’s message is clear: it is time for New Zealand to recognize and invest in its literary talent.

As Laville-Moore summarized, “The plan has gone out. We’re sending it to all of the various government departments and ministers. This is our starting point.”