Peter Vial

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.

The University of Auckland | Waipapa Taumata Rau is New Zealand’s largest and leading university. We celebrate our location in the beautiful harbour city of Auckland | Tamaki Makaurau, our unique position in Aotearoa New Zealand and our place within the Pacific.

 Our te reo Māori name was gifted by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, the Indigenous peoples of the Auckland area, and symbolises that this is a place where diverse world views are shared and lifelong journeys of inquiry, learning and service begin. Since its founding in 1883, the University of Auckland has grown to become New Zealands flagship, research-led university, known for the excellence of its teaching, its research, and its service to local, national and international communities.