New Zealand Reading Ambassador Role Announced

By Te Puna Foundation | Posted:

Te Puna Foundation are thrilled to support the New Zealand Reading Ambassador for children and young people. This exciting new role was announced by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Minister of Internal Affairs, Tracey Martin at a Celebration of Reading event at the National Library of New Zealand on Wednesday 5 August.

The Reading Ambassador role will focus on exciting and educating our rangatahi about the wonder and benefits of reading with the ambition of creating a ‘nation of readers’, whilst promoting reading and literacy throughout Aotearoa.

“We know from research that reading for pleasure makes a huge difference to a child’s wellbeing and their potential for life-long success - in personal relationships, education, health and employment.” - Jacinda Ardern.

With declining rates of children and young people reading for pleasure, now more than ever it is important to celebrate reading and encourage our future generations to recapture the wonder and joy of books. This role aligns with the Governments wider efforts to support child wellbeing and reduce child poverty.

Te Puna Foundation saw this role as a unique opportunity to champion the National Library’s strategic direction and something that is widely agreed as important across the literary, education, library and cultural sectors.

The New Zealand Reading Ambassador will be appointed part time for two years, funded by Te Puna Foundation and supported by National Library in collaboration with key partners, including Creative NZ and ReadNZ. The inaugural recipient will be announced in early 2021.