Creative New Zealand is reviewing how we can best support and develop literature in New Zealand.

Our review will consider Creative New Zealand’s responsibility for literature including: the key role we fund through our Toi Tōtara Haemata (Arts Leadership) investment programme our literature funding priorities  how our international initiatives can best support high-quality New Zealand literature to gain international success.  We are collating information on our support for literature through our funding, international and capability building programmes and other opportunities, such as residencies and awards. Last week we convened a focus group of writers, publishers, festivals, and other significant organisations and groups in literary sector. The focus group was asked for its assessment of how we can best support New Zealand literature over the next five years.          How will the review be done? In October, we will publish a draft report which will propose how we will invest in and support the creation, presentation, distribution and promotion of high-quality New Zealand literature between 2016 and 2020. We will invite you to comment on the draft through an online questionnaire. The questionnaire will ask questions about our proposals and also ask you to raise any issues and concerns not identified in the draft report. The results of the questionnaire and the views of the focus group will be taken into account when we report to the Arts Council in December 2014.          Will we know who is in the focus group? Yes.  The names of people in the focus group will be included in the draft report.   What will be affected by the review? The review will help us to prioritise our resources to support New Zealand literature.  For example, we will evaluate the literature key role funded by Toi Tōtara Haemata, which may be unchanged, amended or replaced when we call for proposals in 2015. We could also change our funding priorities for Quick Response and Arts Grants and the range of other opportunities we provide for literature.   When will I know the results of the review? We expect to publish our final report, incorporating the decisions of the Arts Council, in January 2015. In the meantime if you would like more information please contact literature@creativenz.govt.nz. Please forward this communication to anyone you think may be interested in the upcoming review.