Unity books statement on Te Papa Press

Unity books statement on Te Papa Press

Unity Books is alarmed that Te Papa is proposing to suspend publishing by Te Papa Press for 4 or 5 years. Te Papa Press has proven time and time again that it has both award and bestseller capability and fulfils its kaupapa.

The suspension or closing of the press would remove an important part of the essential national dialogue on New Zealand’s artistic cultural and historical heritage.

With many mutli-national publishers shutting down their New Zealand publishing initiatives, it is even more important for local stories to be told by local writers and publishers. Otherwise, we risk having an uneducated society dependent on the perspective of outsiders. The diversity in NZ publishing of which we are so proud is fostered directly by initiatives with the record and perspective of Te Papa Press.

We cannot afford to lose our role models in this field. Te Papa Press have built a reputation for illuminating, well-designed books suitable for general interest reading and academic reference. Their absence would have a very negative effect on our customers and indeed the staff who have come to rely on their authoritative publications.

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