Background and leadership | Hintergrund

Seit dem Beginn des Programms im Jahre 1976 wird 2012 zum vierten Mal ein englischsprachiges Land Ehrengast bei der Buchmesse sein. Es ist das erste Mal, daß ein Land aus dem Südpazifik für diese ehrenvolle Rolle ausgewählt wurde.

Neuseeland ist bereits seit 20 Jahren bei der Frankfurter Buchmesse vertreten. Die “Publishers Association of New Zealand“ (PANZ) organisiert dort jedes Jahr einen Gemeinschaftsstand für bis zu zwanzig Verlage. Einige neuseeländische Verlagshäuser nehmen unabhängig davon in Eigenregie teil.

2012 is the fourth time that an English-speaking country has been Guest of Honour at Frankfurt since the programme began in 1976. It’s the first time a South Pacific country has had this prestigious role.

New Zealand’s Guest of Honour position was announced on 2 June 2011 by German Foreign Minister, Dr Guido Westerwelle, and New Zealand Arts, Culture and Heritage Minister, Christopher Finlayson. Frankfurt Book Fair Director Juergen Boos signed a contract with the Chief Executive of New Zealand’s Ministry for Culture and Heritage, Lewis Holden.

Read the announcement

New Zealand has attended the Frankfurt Book Fair for more than 20 years with the Publishers Association of New Zealand (PANZ) coordinating a combined New Zealand stand for up to 20 publishers. Other publishers also attend independently.

Read more about the history of the Guest of Honour programme on the Frankfurt Book Fair website

New Zealand’s Guest of Honour programme is championed by an Advisory Group of high-profile and successful New Zealanders:

  • Theresa Gattung, Chair of the Advisory Group
  • Peter Biggs, Managing Director of Clemenger BBDO, Melbourne
  • Kevin Chapman, Managing Director of Hachette New Zealand and chairman of the PANZ
  • Kerry Prendergast, company director and arts patron
  • Neil Quigley, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), Victoria University of Wellington and Chair of Victoria University Press
  • Carol Hirschfeld (Ngāti Porou), Head of Programming at Māori Television
  • Stephen Diver, Managing Director of SDR international trade consultancy, specialising in German and Austrian business
  • John Allen, Chief Executive of the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Interview opportunities are available for media.