The national museum of New Zealand - Te Papa - has signed a deal with Massey University to secure the future of its award-winning publishing operation Te Papa Press.
The museum last year said it was considering a plan to suspend publishing books and "reviewing its investment in publishing to focus on core museum work." The plan was heavily criticised at the time by leading New Zealand writers.
Te Papa Press announced on Thursday that it will join forces with Massey University Press under the leadership of one of New Zealand’s most respected book publishers, Nicola Legat.
An agreement signed by Te Papa CEO Rick Ellis and Massey University Vice-Chancellor Steve Maharey will see the publishers work together to produce books under two separate imprints: Te Papa Press and Massey University Press. Massey University Press will provide the publishing infrastructure, with Nicola Legat being the publisher for both imprints. Te Papa will retain a full-time in-house editor.
“We are delighted to partner with Massey University and to work with a publisher of Nicola Legat’s calibre,” says Ellis. “Te Papa Press will continue its proud legacy of scholarly, relevant and engaging publishing. This partnership ensures a sustainable future for Te Papa Press."
Nicola Legat, the Massey University Press publisher since its establishment last year, spent 10 years as publishing director with Random House New Zealand. She was previously a journalist and is the former editor of Metro magazine.
Legat says the publishing partnership will benefit both organisations, and foster New Zealand’s rich literary heritage.
“This partnership will provide exciting opportunities for writers and quality outcomes for readers,” Legat says. “Publishers are finding new ways to succeed in a changing book market. I am determined to honour the work that’s been done to date, and to carry the mana of Te Papa Press forward.”