New Zealand joins the Global Book Crawl for the first time

New Zealand joined 17 other countries in the worldwide Global Book Crawl (GBC) event for the first time, along with Turkey and Germany.

The free event ran from April 20 to 26, with most countries celebrating World Book Day on April 23.

The GBC was founded in 2025 by Federico Lang, Brid Conroy and Jessica Stockton Bagnulo to unite independent bookstores on a global scale through their shared love of literature, community, and culture.

The process to participate was simple; Kiwis could visit any participating bookshops, grab a “passport” and map, and head out across their city collecting stamps at other participating bookshops.

At the end of the week, passport-holders were able to submit their passports into a draw to win a variety of prizes, including signed books, book vouchers, stickers, and bookmarks.

There was a wide range of bookshops across Auckland, Wellington, Featherston and Canterbury who partook in the event.

Ruby Wallace, the owner of Enamoured Books in Auckland, said the GBC was a great way for the community to celebrate local bookshops.

“Unfortunately, over the last 18 months, we have seen numerous bookstores close around the country.

“[Bookstores] are a hub for connection where readers can meet like-minded people and engage in meaningful conversations,” says Wallace.

She noted the rise of BookTok, a social media niche where readers can connect through their love of literature, has created a shift in the local book community.

“By [New Zealand] participating in the GBC, we can build off these global connections and show that the book community is just as vibrant as what you [see] on your socials,” said Wallace.

While BookTok has a knack for keeping narratives alive, notably influencing a resurgence in backlist paperbacks, Kiwi readers have been keeping their local industry alive.

A 2024 report by NielsenIQ BookData revealed that domestic publishing revenue from New Zealand content was up by five per cent from 2023.

The report noted that physical bookshops held the largest share of domestic revenue, making them the largest market channel.

Chloe Blades, the manager of Unity Books in Auckland, said that while independent shops compete with AI and large retailers, initiatives such as the GBC act as a reminder that there is enthusiasm for the local industry.

“[The GBC] puts the NZ book industry on the map globally and it’s a great feeling knowing that the world’s participating in something joyful together…,” said Blades.

From day one, Unity Books had participants going into the store in search of a passport, and throughout the week, dozens of passports were dropped off for the prize draws.

“It [ignited] so many conversations between us and the customers as well,” said Blades.

From curated recommendations to extra browsing time, independent shops offer spaces that are safe and welcoming, according to Blades.

With the first year of GBC in New Zealand a success, Kiwi readers can stay posted through Booksellers NZ’s Instagram page for updates on more book events.

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Our journalists sometimes use AI tools which are checked by humans for accuracy. 

AI was used to help with research.