Welcome to Storylines
He whakaoho kaipānui, he tautoko kaituhi, kaitā hoki
Inspiring young readers by supporting writers and illustrators
Storylines champions reading for pleasure and access to high-quality literature for children and young people across Aotearoa New Zealand. We support the writers and illustrators who create these stories, while inspiring tamariki, rangatahi and their whānau to discover the joy and lifelong benefits of reading Aotearoa New Zealand books.
OUR LATEST NEWS
FEATURED
Storylines Lift Another Voice – Sponsor A Seat
Help us open the door for a young storyteller. Through our Lift Another Voice – Sponsor a Seat initiative, you can purchase a ticket that
Storylines Story Sparks Kids Workshops
✨ Storylines Story Sparks Workshops are here! ✨ Got a young writer or illustrator at home? These hands-on workshops are designed to spark creativity, build
Storylines Story Telling Secrets – Discussion Panel
Join us for a lively and inspiring free panel event with award-winning writers and illustrators from the Storylines Story Tour. Discover their creative tips, techniques,
Reading matters
Reading to and with young people of all ages is crucial to their development, not just their reading skills. National Library outlines just how important it is, and why reading matters to young people of all ages. It highlights how, as a reading role model, whānau has a big influence on their child’s or teenager’s interest in reading outside school. One of the best ways whānau can help is through fostering a love of reading — beginning at birth.
In 2026, we will further deepen and broaden our focus on disadvantaged, rural and ethnically diverse communities, ensuring we reach even more tamariki and rangatahi who will benefit most from our visits. To achieve this, each tour will now include five writer/illustrator presenters – which also means… a bigger van!
The additional presenter will be fluent in te reo Māori, have published in te reo and will visit kura kaupapa & bilingual units as part of the expanded programme.
Videos and Tip Sheets - Member-only
Storylines members enjoy exclusive access to a growing library of video content offering behind-the-scenes insights into the creative and writing processes of some of Aotearoa New Zealand’s leading children’s and YA writers and illustrators. Members can also explore our Top Ten Tips sheets, packed with practical advice for writers and illustrators, created by some of the country’s most respected creatives.
Our latest addition comes from author Swapna Haddow: Top Ten Tips for Writing Graphic Novels.
Our Supporters
Other organisations
Other organisations who share our objective of promoting books and reading in New Zealand include:
