The Heart of Hokianga Publishers

Hokianga Publishers began almost by accident. One of our trustees asked if we could help reprint her sister’s book Mists of Time, Ngāpuhi Myths and Legends. By then, we had already published two much-loved collections of writing by local Tamariki, and it became clear that our region was overflowing with stories — stories shaped by place, people, history, and the unique character of Hokianga.

As more opportunities arrived, including the chance to publish Susy Pointon’s remarkable works, we realised this wasn’t just a one-off project. It was a purpose. Hokianga is rich with voices that deserve to be heard, and we felt compelled to help bring them into the world.

Today, that passion continues to guide everything we do.

What Makes Us Different

Hokianga Publishers is a tiny, independent press with a very specific focus: Hokianga stories, created by Hokianga people. Whether the work is historical, contemporary, mythical, or the imaginative voices of our Tamariki, every book we publish reflects our community talking to each other — and to the wider world.

Our local focus is our strength. It gives us a clear niche in the world of publishing, ensuring that the stories of this place are preserved, celebrated, and accessible for generations to come.

Our Books, Our Impact

We have now published ten titles, each with its own significance:

• Three children’s writing collections that continue to be favourites among families, friends, and visitors. We’re proud to be extending this tradition through a virtual publishing project with local schools.

• Four books by Susy Pointon, whose stories have been broadcast nationally on Radio New Zealand. Her voice is a treasure, and we are honoured to support her work.

• Bunty Howearth’s Mists of Time — our first major book, originally published by Reed, now returned home and consistently our best-seller.

• A facsimile reprint of Jean Irvine’s Township of Rawene (1975) — out of print for 50 years and now preserved with permission, exclusively through us.

• Ngā Hikoi o Hokianga, a collection of local walks complete with maps and stories of place.

Every book we produce is a piece of Hokianga’s cultural fabric — something meaningful for our community and a window for others into the richness of this region.

Looking Ahead

With more support and funding, we hope to expand our reach. Some of our authors, particularly Susy, deserve a national audience — and with larger print runs, we could begin distributing our books to shops across Aotearoa.

This next step requires investment, but it’s a natural evolution of our mission: helping Hokianga stories find their place in the mainstream of New Zealand literature.

Growing Local Talent

As we develop, we’d love to build local skills in book design, layout, and editing. Having in-house designers and editors from the community would allow us to create a recognisable “Hokianga Publishers” style and support more people into creative careers.

Printing may always be done elsewhere, but strengthening the creative work at home feels like the right direction for us.

What’s Next?

We’re currently working on a major project — a comprehensive history of the Hokianga Harbour — with hopes of releasing it next year. It’s a significant undertaking, but one we’re deeply committed to.

Meanwhile, Susy is crafting her next book: a Hokianga-based thriller that promises to be something special.

There is so much more ahead for Hokianga Publishers.

Watch this space — the next chapter is already being written.