Bucking the trend: new research tells us New Zealanders still love to read

By Read NZ Te Pou Muramura | Posted: Wednesday Apr 16, 2025

The latest National Reading Survey commissioned by Read NZ Te Pou Muramura reveals that despite a bleak international backdrop, our reading rates are remaining steady - and even increasing in some areas.

The rumours are true: the data from the latest National Reading Survey is out today. Here's a few spoilers!⁠
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87% of NZ adults read a book in the last year (up from 85% in 2021)⁠
84% of males read a book in the last year (up from 79% in 2021)⁠
18-24 year olds are reading less, but talking about books on BookTok more⁠
32% of us read poetry last year, a significant increase on 2021⁠
Reading audiobooks has risen from 31% to 43% since 2021⁠
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Want to know more? Check it out their website: Bucking the trend: new research tells us New Zealanders still love to read - Updates • Read NZ Te Pou Muramura