Read Nz Te Pou Muramura

We believe reading makes life better. As Aotearoa New Zealand’s national agency dedicated to reading for pleasure, we advocate for the transformative power of reading and its ability to improve our lives, both individually, and collectively. Founded in 1972 as the Book Council, Read NZ Te Pou Muramura continues to grow new generations of readers by delivering programmes in schools and communities, including our popular Writers in Schools programme. Our special name expresses the concept of moving from darkness into light, as told in the Māori creation story. This metaphor can also be used to describe what happens during the process of reading. ‘Muramura’ is a glowing ember, flame or blaze, and ‘pou’ is an upright supporting post or pole. Te Pou Muramura speaks to the sustenance of a blaze, in the way that reading can spark a glow or light in our minds. We run campaigns to encourage New Zealanders to read, research our reading habits and barriers to reading, and advocate for the importance of reading.