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 Mäori, 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 Whäinga 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