National Reading Survey
Since 2016, our regular national research, now known as the National Reading Survey, has delivered insights on reading in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Overview
How are we reading in Aotearoa New Zealand?
Since 2016, our regular reading research (now called the National Reading Survey) has asked that question. We commissioned Horizon Research to compile research reports from a representative group of New Zealanders.
The latest survey was conducted in late 2021. It found that since 2018, the number of adults who read or started to read at least one book in the past 12 months dropped slightly, from 86% to 85%. Meanwhile, 94% of 10–17-year-olds read at least one book, down from 97% in 2018.
The numbers of Kiwi women reading had remained the same since 2018 but men’s reading rates continued to drop, with 79% picking up a book in the past year, compared to 81% in 2018 and 84% in 2017.
While maintaining the questions asked in previous surveys, the 2021 research had a wider scope, asking questions about languages read, how recent Covid-19 lockdowns and the ongoing pandemic have affected reading habits, and its importance to personal wellbeing.
This research into the reading habits of New Zealanders surveyed in October 2021 confirms that we remain a nation of readers, and one that loves to read to our children.
Read our research reports
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Writers in Schools
We bring writers and illustrators to your students and staff, either in person or virtually.Learn more about Writers in Schools01 -
Writers in Communities
We enable communities whose voices would otherwise be marginalised to tell their stories.Learn more about Writers in Communities02 -
Writers in Youth Justice
We take creative writing to youth justice residences to encourage participation and produce books by rangatahi that reflect their lived experience.Learn more about Writers in Youth Justice03 -
National Reading Survey
Since 2016, our regular national research has delivered insights on reading in Aotearoa New Zealand.Learn more about National Reading Survey04 -
Summer Reading Challenge
Our Summer Reading Challenges help motivate New Zealanders to read for pleasure over the holiday season.Learn more about Summer Reading Challenge05 -
The Reading Doctor
Our Reading Doctor column addresses barriers to reading identified by everyday Kiwis.Learn more about The Reading Doctor06 -
Annual Pānui / Lecture
The Annual Pānui provides an opportunity for one of our country’s leading writers to discuss an aspect of literature close to their heart.Learn more about Annual Pānui / Lecture07 -
Pōkai Tuhi
Pōkai Tuhi is an initiative to work with more Māori and Pasifika writers to inspire our tamariki.Learn more about Pōkai Tuhi08
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44K+School students reached
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13Regions throughout Aotearoa New Zealand
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90Writers engaged
Help fund our amazing programmes.
Every cent goes towards us building our campaigns to encourage New Zealanders to read, research our reading habits and barriers to reading, and advocate for the importance of reading.