The Publishers Association of New Zealand / Te Rau o Tākupu (PANZ) is assuming responsibility for the Whitireia Publishing Course – New Zealand’s only full-time, industry-led publishing qualification – from 2026 and will welcome a capped intake of 20 students for next year.
This decision was a response to the closure of the programme by Whitireia/WelTec, announced earlier this year – part of a major shake-up of the country’s polytechnics by the Government that includes the closure of Te Auaha, a purpose-built creative campus in central Wellington. The PANZ Council has voted to formalise a partnership with Whitireia, ensuring the continuation of the Graduate Diploma in Publishing (Applied) and related Microcredentials and preserving a vital pathway into the New Zealand publishing industry.
PANZ President Eboni Waitere says the move represents a significant commitment to workforce development and industry sustainability:
“This course has been a puna mātauranga – a spring of knowledge – nurturing skilled graduates who are already shaping our industry. PANZ is proud to invest in this talent, ensuing a vibrant future workforce. From editing and project management to publishing, marketing and sales, our graduates’ skills make a remarkable impact across sectors.”
Under the new arrangement, PANZ will take on operational responsibility for the course while Whitireia retains NZQA accreditation and student enrolment processes. This continuity allows students to benefit from the course’s unique blend of practical experience, industry placements, and intensive mentorship.
Senior tutor Odessa Owens says the 2026 cohort will be limited to twenty students in order to strengthen the experience of ākonga:
“We are thrilled to work even more closely with publishers to prepare students for a rapidly evolving industry. Our hands-on apprenticeship style programme gives ākonga real practical experience and industry contacts.”
Odessa says students will work directly with publishers, editors, designers, booksellers, and authors to bring real books to life.
Places for the 2026 intake will be limited to 20 students and subject to a minimum number of 15 enrolments and NZQA site accreditation. Interested applicants are encouraged to submit their interest now.
For enrolment enquiries, visit here.
Whitireia Publishing Course – FAQ
What is the Whitireia Publishing Course?
The Whitireia Publishing Course is New Zealand’s only full-time, industry-led qualification in publishing. Running for over 30 years, it has produced graduates who work across trade, educational, legal, and government publishing, as well as communications and media.
Why was there a risk it would close?
Whitireia signalled it could no longer run the course on its own due to space and delivery constraints. Without industry intervention, the course would have faced closure — leaving a significant skills gap in New Zealand publishing.
Who is now running it?
The Publishers Association of New Zealand (PANZ) will take on operational leadership, including employing tutors, arranging a Wellington site to run the course, and leading promotion. Whitireia will retain NZQA accreditation and enrolment processes.
How many students can enrol?
The 2026 intake is capped at 20 students.
What makes this course unique?
● Hands-on, apprenticeship-style learning
● Two work placements for each student in real publishing environments, and three internships per year
● Two scholarships (Mason Publishing Scholarship and Penguin Random House Māori and Pacific Publishing Scholarship) and two industry-sponsored awards
● Mentoring from industry professionals
● Projects where students take real manuscripts from pitch to publication
● Strong employment outcomes – graduates are in demand across the sector. On average, over recent years at least 75% of graduates are in publishing or publishing adjacent work within 6 months of graduation.
What are the benefits for industry?
● A secure and diverse talent pipeline
● Strengthened whanaungatanga across the sector
How do people apply?
Enrolments are managed through Whitireia’s website. Students can submit enquiries now and apply directly once the enrolments page reopens.