Oratia Books on the move to Upstart Distribution and Archetype Book Agents

From this Wednesday 1 April 2026, Upstart Distribution becomes the New Zealand distributor for Oratia Books titles, and sales representation moves to Archetype Book Agents. 

Based in Penrose, Auckland, Upstart Distribution is a highly regarded distributor of books for New Zealand publishers, and is led by legendary publishers Kevin Chapman and Pat Dunmore.

Archetype Book Agents, managed by industry stalwarts Neil Brown and Craig Gamble, has a network of respected sales agents across New Zealand. It represents many of the country’s leading publishers including Allen & Unwin and the university presses of Auckland, Massey, Te Herenga Waka and Otago. 

 

‘We look forward greatly to working with the talented Upstart and Archetype teams to take Oratia Books to readers throughout Aotearoa,’ commented Oratia Books’ publisher Peter Dowling. 

 

‘Our sincere appreciation to departing commissioned reps Gary Shannon, Dennis Morgan and Carol Kavanagh for their outstanding service to us over the years. All the best with your next chapters.

 

‘We also owe a debt of gratitude to our distributors since 2009, Bookreps NZ (previously Publishers Distribution Ltd) for their years of sterling work on our behalf.’ 

 

All orders for Oratia Books from April onwards should be directed to Upstart Distribution customer services: orders@upstartdist.nz, 09 280 3202. 

 

Look out for the Oratia Books Catalogue 2026, coming in April, for our growing list of new and backlist books. 

 

For any enquiries, please contact Peter (peter@oratia.co.nz) or Belinda Cooke, sales and marketing consultant (belinda@oratia.co.nz).