Students at Omokoroa No. 1 School are preparing for Tauranga's first Book Battle NZ on September 15. Photo / Brydie Thompson
Students at Omokoroa No. 1 School are preparing for Tauranga's first Book Battle NZ on September 15. Photo / Brydie Thompson
The Book Battle NZ will debut in Tauranga this month, aiming to inspire kids to love reading.
Hosted by Pyes Pā Primary School on September 15, students from local 15 schools will participate, New Zealand Literary Association (NZLA) president Todd Burton said.
“It’s competitive, but everyone’s out there to have a good time as well.”
Year 5-6 students participate in seven rounds of questions, while Years 7-8 compete in 10. Each round focuses on a specific book.
Todd Burton, president of the New Zealand Literary Association, has arranged Tauranga's first Book Battle NZ. Photo / Bijou Johnson
“We want to create lifelong readers,” Burton said. “If children are engaged in reading and they love books, then teaching them the reading process becomes easier.”
Bayleys Tauranga is sponsoring the event and Scholastic provides the books.
Bayleys Tauranga agent Sarah Campbell said
the Book Battle harnesses kids’ competitiveness to get them reading, she said.
Sarah Campbell, real estate agent with Bayleys Tauranga, is sponsoring the Tauranga Book Battle. Photo / Bijou Johnson
“It’s an academic sport.”
With 15 schools involved this year, Campbell hoped to get 30-40 on board in 2026.
Campbell and her team will provide winners’ cups and prizes, ensuring the children feel rewarded for their effort, teamwork and enthusiasm.
She said it was about inspiring young people to connect with literacy in a fun and memorable way.
