More New Zealand Authors to Benefit Under Updated Library Payment Scheme

Under the current rules, an author's book must have at least 50 copies available across New Zealand libraries before qualifying for the scheme.

More New Zealand authors will become eligible for payments through the Public Lending Right for New Zealand Authors scheme after the Government approved changes aimed at widening access to the programme.

Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden said Cabinet has agreed to lower the eligibility threshold, allowing more writers to receive recognition and financial support for books held in public libraries across the country. The change is expected to bring around 170 additional authors into the scheme while making it easier to correct payment errors in future.

Lower Threshold Opens the Door for More Writers

Under the current rules, an author's book must have at least 50 copies available across New Zealand libraries before qualifying for the scheme. The new changes reduce that requirement to 30 copies.

Van Velden said lowering the threshold means more New Zealand authors and a wider range of locally written books will be recognised through the programme. The Public Lending Right scheme provides annual payments to eligible authors whose books are available in public libraries, recognising the value their work brings to readers while supporting New Zealand's literary community.

Authors Backed the Proposed Changes

The Government said the decision follows public consultation, which showed strong support for expanding eligibility.

According to the consultation results, 77.1 per cent of submissions supported reducing the threshold from 50 copies to 30. Officials believe the revised requirement strikes a balance between including more authors and maintaining the sustainability of the funding available through the scheme.

The expected addition of around 170 authors reflects growing recognition of the diversity of New Zealand's publishing sector and the contribution made by writers whose books may have smaller but meaningful library circulation.

Simpler Process for Correcting Payments

The changes also introduce a new way to deal with underpayments made to authors.

If an author receives less than they were entitled to in a particular year, the shortfall can now be paid from the following year's Public Lending Right fund. Previously, the Department would have needed to use its baseline funding to correct such mistakes.

Van Velden said the new approach will make the scheme simpler to administer while ensuring authors receive the payments they are owed in a more practical and efficient manner.

Supporting New Zealand's Literary Community

The Minister said she was pleased the improvements would be delivered during the current parliamentary term and reflected the views of the majority of authors who participated in the consultation process.

She said the updated scheme is intended to remain fair, relevant, and accessible, giving more New Zealand writers the opportunity to benefit from recognition of their work in public libraries while strengthening support for the country's literary sector.