Eboni Waitere Makes History As First Māori President Of PANZ
Highlighting the strength of Maori leadership at the highest levels of the sector, this milestone marks an important shift in Aotearoa's publishing landscape.
'I'm genuinely thrilled that Eboni is stepping into the role of PANZ President. She brings strategic excellence, mana, unwavering integrity, and a lived understanding of the power of publishing to shape culture,' says Courtney Sina Meredith, PANZ Association Director. 'Eboni's leadership is courageous, considered, and grounded in a vision that reflects the richness and diversity of Aotearoa. I can't wait to work alongside her as we continue to grow and advocate for a sector that holds our stories at its heart.'
Eboni is Executive Director of HUIA Publishers, which under her leadership won the prestigious 2024 Bologna Prize for Best Children's Publisher of the Year (Oceania) – international recognition for their bold, rangatahi-focused publishing and unwavering commitment to Te Reo Maori and Maori creatives.
Over the past decade Eboni has helped shape HUIA into a respected name in publishing worldwide with a focus on growing talent, elevating Maori voices, and forging partnerships that centre equity and excellence.
Now, as PANZ President, she's bringing that same vision to the wider sector.
'I am excited to be of service back to the publishing community,' Eboni says. 'We have an extraordinary depth of talent across Aotearoa, and I believe New Zealand's trade and education publishers are world-class. We're already exporting stories, voices, and ideas globally - my vision is to build on that foundation through collective strength, collaboration, and bold, strategic action,'
Eboni is known for her kaupapa-driven leadership style. She holds a degree in Education and Maori from Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington and is a 2024 graduate of the Advanced Publishing Institute at New York University. She leads HUIA alongside co-director Panaia Tahau-Hodges (Ngati Tuwharetoa, Ngati Tutemohuta, Tuhoe), and together they are committed to nurturing the next generation of Maori storytellers.
'Literacy rates and our education space are priorities for me,' says Eboni. 'Valuing our local content and seeing our stories is important. New Zealand is an international leader in educational resources, we need to reignite that - through stronger investment and cross-sector collaboration.'
Eboni also believes the publishing industry has a critical opportunity to help shape a copyright framework that truly reflects Aotearoa.
' In the age of artificial intelligence, laws must protect creators, uphold indigenous rights, and enable fair access in a digital world. This is a chance to create copyright settings that are future focused, a system that values matauranga Maori, supports local publishers, and ensures the voices of our storytellers are protected and respected.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scoop
08-08-2025
- Scoop
Eboni Waitere Makes History As First Māori President Of PANZ
Press Release – Publishers Association of NZ Highlighting the strength of Maori leadership at the highest levels of the sector, this milestone marks an important shift in Aotearoas publishing landscape. Eboni Waitere (Ngati Kahungunu, Rangitane) has made history as the first Maori President of the Publishers Association of New Zealand Te Rau o Tākupu (PANZ), following her appointment at the organisation's 49th Annual General Meeting. Highlighting the strength of Maori leadership at the highest levels of the sector, this milestone marks an important shift in Aotearoa's publishing landscape. 'I'm genuinely thrilled that Eboni is stepping into the role of PANZ President. She brings strategic excellence, mana, unwavering integrity, and a lived understanding of the power of publishing to shape culture,' says Courtney Sina Meredith, PANZ Association Director. 'Eboni's leadership is courageous, considered, and grounded in a vision that reflects the richness and diversity of Aotearoa. I can't wait to work alongside her as we continue to grow and advocate for a sector that holds our stories at its heart.' Eboni is Executive Director of HUIA Publishers, which under her leadership won the prestigious 2024 Bologna Prize for Best Children's Publisher of the Year (Oceania) – international recognition for their bold, rangatahi-focused publishing and unwavering commitment to Te Reo Maori and Maori creatives. Over the past decade Eboni has helped shape HUIA into a respected name in publishing worldwide with a focus on growing talent, elevating Maori voices, and forging partnerships that centre equity and excellence. Now, as PANZ President, she's bringing that same vision to the wider sector. 'I am excited to be of service back to the publishing community,' Eboni says. 'We have an extraordinary depth of talent across Aotearoa, and I believe New Zealand's trade and education publishers are world-class. We're already exporting stories, voices, and ideas globally – my vision is to build on that foundation through collective strength, collaboration, and bold, strategic action,' Eboni is known for her kaupapa-driven leadership style. She holds a degree in Education and Maori from Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington and is a 2024 graduate of the Advanced Publishing Institute at New York University. She leads HUIA alongside co-director Panaia Tahau-Hodges (Ngati Tuwharetoa, Ngati Tutemohuta, Tuhoe), and together they are committed to nurturing the next generation of Maori storytellers. 'Literacy rates and our education space are priorities for me,' says Eboni. 'Valuing our local content and seeing our stories is important. New Zealand is an international leader in educational resources, we need to reignite that – through stronger investment and cross-sector collaboration.' Eboni also believes the publishing industry has a critical opportunity to help shape a copyright framework that truly reflects Aotearoa. ' In the age of artificial intelligence, laws must protect creators, uphold indigenous rights, and enable fair access in a digital world. This is a chance to create copyright settings that are future focused, a system that values matauranga Maori, supports local publishers, and ensures the voices of our storytellers are protected and respected.'
Scoop
07-08-2025
- Scoop
Eboni Waitere Makes History As First Māori President Of PANZ
Eboni Waitere (Ngati Kahungunu, Rangitane) has made history as the first Maori President of the Publishers Association of New Zealand Te Rau o Tākupu (PANZ), following her appointment at the organisation's 49th Annual General Meeting. Highlighting the strength of Maori leadership at the highest levels of the sector, this milestone marks an important shift in Aotearoa's publishing landscape. 'I'm genuinely thrilled that Eboni is stepping into the role of PANZ President. She brings strategic excellence, mana, unwavering integrity, and a lived understanding of the power of publishing to shape culture,' says Courtney Sina Meredith, PANZ Association Director. 'Eboni's leadership is courageous, considered, and grounded in a vision that reflects the richness and diversity of Aotearoa. I can't wait to work alongside her as we continue to grow and advocate for a sector that holds our stories at its heart.' Eboni is Executive Director of HUIA Publishers, which under her leadership won the prestigious 2024 Bologna Prize for Best Children's Publisher of the Year (Oceania) – international recognition for their bold, rangatahi-focused publishing and unwavering commitment to Te Reo Maori and Maori creatives. Over the past decade Eboni has helped shape HUIA into a respected name in publishing worldwide with a focus on growing talent, elevating Maori voices, and forging partnerships that centre equity and excellence. Now, as PANZ President, she's bringing that same vision to the wider sector. 'I am excited to be of service back to the publishing community,' Eboni says. 'We have an extraordinary depth of talent across Aotearoa, and I believe New Zealand's trade and education publishers are world-class. We're already exporting stories, voices, and ideas globally - my vision is to build on that foundation through collective strength, collaboration, and bold, strategic action,' Eboni is known for her kaupapa-driven leadership style. She holds a degree in Education and Maori from Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington and is a 2024 graduate of the Advanced Publishing Institute at New York University. She leads HUIA alongside co-director Panaia Tahau-Hodges (Ngati Tuwharetoa, Ngati Tutemohuta, Tuhoe), and together they are committed to nurturing the next generation of Maori storytellers. 'Literacy rates and our education space are priorities for me,' says Eboni. 'Valuing our local content and seeing our stories is important. New Zealand is an international leader in educational resources, we need to reignite that - through stronger investment and cross-sector collaboration.' Eboni also believes the publishing industry has a critical opportunity to help shape a copyright framework that truly reflects Aotearoa. ' In the age of artificial intelligence, laws must protect creators, uphold indigenous rights, and enable fair access in a digital world. This is a chance to create copyright settings that are future focused, a system that values matauranga Maori, supports local publishers, and ensures the voices of our storytellers are protected and respected.'
NZ Herald
25-07-2025
- NZ Herald
Auckland supermarkets and liquor stores under fire for selling ‘mega strong' beers
Secretary Grant Hewison said the beers essentially represent a loophole, with RTDs being limited to 6% ABV and no more than two standards per beverage. 'We would describe these products as court cases in a can, especially when they reach past 12%.' He said with these beers, essentially one can leave you intoxicated and unable to drive. Hewison said they're more problematic than other high alcohol products like wine or soju as they're carbonated, so they're consumed quickly. He said the products are sold in single 500ml cans for as cheap as $6, which can be easily stowed in a pocket. Maori Warden Thomas Henry says the super strong beers are part of the public drinking problem in South Auckland Photo / Jason Oxenham Auckland District Māori Wardens chair Thomas Henry said high-alcohol products worsened things for people already struggling with homelessness and mental health issues. He said the beers are part of South Auckland's public drinking problem, creating issues such as an Ōtara playground being removed . Henry said they've been trying to educate liquor stores against selling the beers to vulnerable people. He said it's been frustrating, with owners telling him it's not their job, to tell people what to do. New Zealand supermarkets are taking differing approaches to high-strength beers. Photo / NZME, File Foodstuffs said they work closely with their store owners to ensure alcohol is sold responsibly, including regular staff training and robust ID checks. 'We continue to monitor our range carefully, taking into account legal obligations, customer demand, and community feedback,' a spokesperson said. Woolworths said it removed single cans of more than 7% ABV from all stores after consulting with regulatory agencies and community groups, but continues to sell multi-packs of high-strength beers. Brewers Association Executive Director Dylan Firth is calling for a grounded discussion on the products. Photo/Supplied Brewers Association executive director Dylan Firth said beers over 5% ABV make up only 11% of all sold in New Zealand in the year to March. He said the industry's total volumes of high strength beers has also declined by a third since 2022. Firth said stronger beers are typically specialty or craft offerings intended for moderate consumption. Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee said she's aware of concerns about high-strength beer. Photo / Mark Mitchell Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee said she's aware of concerns high-strength beer and the potential harm irresponsible consumption posed. 'I'm continuing to engage with stakeholders and consider how regulation can reduce alcohol-related harm and contribute to the Government's target of 20,000 fewer victims of violent crime by 2030.' Lachlan Rennie is an Auckland-based Multimedia Journalist for Newstalk ZB covering science, defence, technology, community issues and general news.
