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Book & Print in New Zealand : A Guide to Print Culture in Aotearoa

Foreword

Foreword

The Trustees of the National Library are pleased and proud to be associated with Book & Print in New Zealand. When the proposal to develop a guide to print culture in New Zealand was presented in 1996, the Trustees recognised that it was central to the work of the National Library in supporting a better understanding of New Zealand's national identity. A close working relationship has developed between the programme for the History of Print Culture in New Zealand and the Alexander Turnbull Library, New Zealand's principal repository of print forms.

As we look to the role of electronic resources in the century to come, and celebrate the enthusiasm for te reo Māori, it is timely to reflect on the impact of print culture on New Zealand. Book & Print in New Zealand presents a survey of the role of print culture in the economic, technological and intellectual life of our country which will appeal to a broad range of New Zealanders. It is particularly relevant to the research aims of the Trustees in that it will undoubtedly provide a stimulus to further research which will develop our knowledge of New Zealand culture and history.

The Trustees therefore welcomed the opportunity to support this publication and to be its major sponsor. We are delighted that further financial support has been provided by the Lottery Grants Board, and we would also like to acknowledge the amount of voluntary work which individuals and organisations have contributed to bring this publication to fruition. Foremost among these have been the members of the Humanities Society of New Zealand/Te Whāinga Aronui (HUMANZ). They have worked hard for several years to develop awareness for the need for a national research programme on the history of print culture in New Zealand, and to gather support for it to become a reality.

The Trustees congratulate HUMANZ on the successful completion of this part of the programme. We have no doubt that Book & Print in New Zealand will enhance the understanding of the role played by print culture in our bicultural society, and we look forward to the work which will build on this initial achievement.

Wyn Hoadley
     Chair
     Trustees of the National Library