Te Papa Press to continue publishing

11 June 2015

Following its review of the role of Te Papa Press, Te Papa has committed to continue publishing books during the museum’s redevelopment, Chief Executive Rick Ellis announced today.

In May, Te Papa undertook a review of its publishing arm and considered an option of suspending publishing for five years while the museum is redeveloped.

In the next five years, Te Papa’s long-term exhibits will be renewed, requiring a huge input of research and curatorial expertise.

Following the review, Te Papa has committed to continue publication of books through Te Papa Press during the redevelopment period.

“Te Papa Press will continue to publish high quality books, and we will retain the existing staff at Te Papa Press,” Mr Ellis says.

“After considering all our options, and the feedback from our staff and the public, we believe we can continue publishing books while we renew the museum.”

“The business model of Te Papa Press will need to change as curators and other specialist staff focus their efforts on developing our new exhibits.”

“Te Papa will look for partnership opportunities with other organisations.”

Mr Ellis says that discussions with potential partners would occur in the coming months.

“Te Papa Press is focussed on its forward schedule of books,” says Mr Ellis.

“We are committed to building on our reputation as one of New Zealand’s leading publishers.”

Te Papa Press titles due for publication in 2015

The landmark publication, Fishes of New Zealand. This 2,000-page, four-volume guide is the result of a ten-year research project by Te Papa scientists, in collaboration with specialists worldwide. Edited by Te Papa scientists Dr Clive Roberts, Andrew Stewart and Carl Struthers.

In the lavishly-illustrated Real Modern, historian Bronwyn Labrum brings 1950s and 60s New Zealand to life through everyday objects, including hundreds of items from Te Papa’s collections.

New Zealand Photography Collected offers a unique visual history of photography in New Zealand, with 350 stunning images, from 1840 to the present day. Researched and written by Te Papa Curator of Photography Athol McCredie.

The Maori Meeting House is an accessible, illustrated guide to the Maori meeting house, by art historian and curator at the Auckland War Memorial Museum, Damian Skinner.

Media contact

Kate Camp, Communications Manager
029 601 0180
kate.camp@tepapa.govt.nz