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Scoop
08-08-2025
- Business
- 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
- Business
- 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.'
