Book Group Noticeboard
If you would like to start or join a book group, email your details to web@bookcouncil.org.nz and we will add your notice to this page. Please get in touch again when you wish to be removed from the list. Unless notified, we will automatically remove notices after six months.
Did you know we also offer a writer-group noticeboard?
Download bookgroup discussion notes on the Six Pack Two (2007) for free by clicking here.
Regions (click on your region for faster access):
Auckland
Waiuku
Hamilton
Matamata
Coromandel
Tauranga
New Plymouth
Palmerston North
Wellington
South Wairarapa
Nelson
Christchurch
Dunedin
Online book groups
Hi, I'm starting a book club and would like new members. Our first meeting will be at a Mt Eden bookstore on Wednesday 16 July at 7pm. Please email me if you are interested in joining and I'll give you further details and the first month's book to read. Cheers, Deb. deb.bartlett@xtra.co.nz (June 08)
I live in Parnell and would like to join a bookclub in the central Auckland area which meets in the evenings or weekends. Please email Tessa Scovell: tessa@scovellnz.com (June 08)
Hello.We are a group of book lovers who collect books by the children's author Elsie J Oxenham. We have groups meeting in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. A quarterly magazine is sent out to all members. We are keen to have new members join us from the Auckland region. Our meetings are monthly and are held in private homes or restaurants. We discuss various themes from the books with the hostess for the meeting setting the agenda. I would be happy to discuss this further with new prospective members. Please contact Brenda Wilkinson on bdwilkinson@xtra.co,n
Hi we are looking for some new book club members. We are a central city based booked club and meet on the last Thursday of every month in the evening. We read mainly contemporary fiction but are pretty open to most things. We are an informal, friendly group. If you fancy joining us, or need any further information, please get in touch with Darryl daz_al@xtra.co.nz.
Hi, I'm a 30 yr old living in Grey Lynn and keen to join a central city book club. I read a variety of fiction and non-fiction and have been wanting to join a book club for years. Please get in touch if you have room in your club or want to start one up with me. Rachel. Email: racharoundtheworld@yahoo.com(May 08).
Hi, I'm a new mum in my late thirties and love reading. I would like to either start a book club in the Pukekohe area (or join an already established group). Could people please email Lee at the following address if they are keen: ogilvie_lee@yahoo.co.nz (May 08).
Hi, my name is Georgina Knapp. I am a new mother in my early thirties looking to join a bookclub in the Auckland Eastern Bays are. I read almost 'anything' and am looking for an informal group. Please contact me on george@uniquefitness.co.nz if you have a group you think would suit. (Apr 08)
Looking for a fellow bibliophile in Auckland. Our established bookgroup (4 women and 1 man) is looking for a new member. We mainly read contemporary fiction (occasionally biography, short stories or non-fiction). We are located in the central suburbs and meet once monthly in the evenings. If you are up for some healthy debate and a challenging read please contact Suzanne during the evening on (09) 849 3044. (Feb 08)
Hi, I am interested in joining a book club in the Titirangi or west/central Auckland area. I read a wide variety of books and would enjoy meeting like minded people. Please contact me on v-lawson@xtra.co.nz.Cheers, Liz (Jan 08)
Hello I live in Freemans Bay in Auckland and would be keen to join a book club in my area. I read a diverse range but am keen to broaden my horizons. I can meet in the evenings or weekends. Please feel free to email me at: Kate.armstrong@hotmail.co.uk (Jan 08)
New Members Wanted! We are an informal, friendly book group who meet in a café in Devonport one evening a month. We read a range of fiction and take turns to suggest new books. If you would like to join us please get in touch: jo_walkinshaw@hotmail.com (Jan 08)
My partner and I are looking for a book club to join in the Mt Eden or Epsom area. We are both avid readers when time allows and would love the chance to be introduced to books we might not encounter independently. I’m a teacher (but don’t let that put you off) in my early thirties looking for good meaty reads and discussion. Although I am really willing to give anything a go, lately I’ve really enjoyed Plumb by Maurice Gee and Rubicon – the Triumph and tragedy of the Roman Republic by Tom Holland. My partner really enjoys thrillers and non fiction. He is in IT but capable of good communication. Please email anytime – angelasmithnz@hotmail.com (Dec 07)
Hi
I'm new to Birkdale (actually only been in the country for 2 weeks! Have come to live with my partner and resume my teaching career). I love reading.I am looking for a book group to join locally - at the moment I am reliant on public transport to get around - I have wide and varied tastes in books for example I love Marian Keyes books - I'm just finishing up the last Harry Potter - I love poetry - Historical novels - anything to do with Shakepeare - Christian Jacques the list goes on (if I tell you more than half the stuff I'm having shipped out here are books then you see what I mean!! LOL) please feel free to email at mags@magsdelaney.com or call 02102524777 Look forward to hearing from you. (Nov 07)
I live in the Auckland CBD and am keen to find a book club in the vicinity meeting evenings or weekend. Please email gregbillington@yahoo.com (Nov 07)
Hello, I’m an American (from Alaska) here on a working holiday visa and looking to join a book club in central Auckland or thereabouts. I work during the day, so evening or weekends would work best. Any types of books, I’m trying to get more into reading and would love to meet some new people and discuss good books. Email me at meggiekell@yahoo.co.uk (Oct 07)
Howick Library, Manukau Libraries, has one very successful day-time book group, but we are wondering if there is anyone in the Howick/Highland Park/Botany Downs area of Manukau that would like to make up an evening book group? Perhaps interested people could email Sue on Howick.Library@manukau.govt.nz for further discussion and details. Looking forward to hearing from you. (Sept 07)
Would like to join an evening book club again, live in Greenlane area. Gay. Email: merigay@xtra.co.nz (Aug 07)
Hi, I live in the Central City area and work during the day. I read a wide range of mostly fiction, and although I haven't been in a book group before, I am keen to meet like minded people, preferably in the evening. Contact Andy on Andy.dk@xtra.co.nz (Aug 07)
Hi, I am new to Auckland, living in Kingsland. I'd like to join a book club somewhere nearby or start one if needed :) I'd prefer to meet in the evening during the week.
Email: kate1357@hotmail.com (Aug 07)
I have written a book called Hidden in the Forest, and I am considering publishing it myself. But before making such a big and potentially expensive decision, I should be grateful for any comment from book group members. Please visit my website: www.hiddenintheforest.co.nz My e-mail address: kjell.yri@xtra.co.nz (Aug 07)
Hamilton
Phyllis would like to join an existing book group, or hear from people who are interested to start one, in Hamilton. Mob: 021 161 8073 or ph3338@yahoo.co.nz
I would be keen to join a book group in the Hamilton area. Anyone can use this email address to contact me. Tim Gully. (Mar 08)
Matamata
Stewart Best is looking for an evening book group to join in Matamata. He can be contacted on 027 272 7010 or BS@matamatacollege.school.nz (Aug 07)
Coromandel
We are forming a new book club based in Tairua on the Coromandel Peninsula. If anyone should be interested, I can be contacted at petemcd@xtra.co.nz. (Aug 07)
Tauranga
I just move here and would like to join a bookclub in the Mount or Tauranga area. I am 31 and interested in Non-Fiction books.
Thank you, Nee neelubon@hotmail.com.(Jan 08)
I am in my late thirties, have never been part of a book club but always thought I'd like to.Read a very broad range of books fiction/non fiction. Live in Maketu but am happy to travel. Please contact me at michelle.howe@xtra.co.nz. (Jan 08)
I would love to join a book club in Tauranga. Please contact me on ccassells@tgc.school.nz. Cheers, Christina (Aug 07)
New Plymouth
Puke Ariki library has two groups which meet monthly. We meet every second Wednesday of each month at 7pm on Level 1 of the library. Tea and coffee provided by Puke Ariki. Email Jacqueline McCluggage mccluggagej@npdc.govt.nz
I would like to start a book club, or join an existing book club, in Palmerston North (city area). Please contact me by email chis@paradise.net.nz if interested. Thanks, Liz Chisholm
Wellington
I am interested in joining or starting a book club in the Lower Hutt area, I have a 2 year old and will be an at home mum for six months, so would be interested in a club for other parents with young children so we could meet and talk books while the kids entertain each other.
Contact details: Nicola.mills@paradise.net.nz. (August 08)
I'm in a book club that has been going for about 4 years, however we have had some members leave in the last year and are down to 3 regulars so would welcome some new people! Two of us live in Berhampore and one in Belmont, Lower Hutt. Let me know if you'd like to come along to our next meeting, it's very casual, we bring books we've been reading and discuss them and share between ourselves. Sometimes we all read the same book and discuss it or read a book that's been made into a movie, and watch that together. We meet at each other's houses and have supper and wine. Sharing rides works well too. We meet monthly, usually Tues or Weds at 7.45 pm till whenever! Let me know if you're interested. wendy.lindsay@clear.net.nz (June 08)
I have left my bookclub behind in the UK and would love to join a diverse and challenging bookclub group that also thrives on the social aspect in the Wellington area. Contact me at thesixslaters@hotmail.co.uk. (June 08)
A new book club will be starting in Pukerua Bay in August this year. If you are interested, please email bronaghmawson@gmail.com. All ages are welcome. (June 08).
I am a 30 year old female looking for a book club in central Wellington or the Eastern suburbs. I like to read a wide range of fiction and non-fiction. Please email Brenda at bee_nz@hotmail.com. (May 08).
I live in Johnsonville and am looking for a book club to join in the northern suburbs. I enjoy modern fiction, with current favourites including Khaled Hosseini, Alice Sebold and Jodi Picoult. I would prefer a group where people read the same books and then meet to discuss them. I can be contacted at marisa.king@slingshot.co.nz. Thanks! Marisa. (Apr 08)
I'm keen to start a book club out in Lower Hutt. I live in Western Hills (Tirohanga, Belmont, Harbourview). Group to meet monthly for discussion and social get together, perhaps a meal. Please email me for proposed meeting format and other ideas - sheilaghnz@gmail.com. Chris. (Apr 08)
Hi. I would like to join a book club in Petone or Central Wellington. I am a 31 year old female and read a eclectic mix of books ranging from travel, general fiction to Sci-fi with a few biographies thrown in. I would prefer to discuss themes rather than read the same book as the whole group. Keen to meet in Cafes, quiet cocktail bars or at home. Please contact me on helenmcgregor@hotmail.com thanks, Helen. (Apr 08)
A Whitby bookgroup active for 30 plus years seeks members. We meet monthly on the second Monday in each other's homes. The host for the evening makes the monthly reading selection. If interested please email Karen Ross at karen.ross54@gmail.com or call 027 645 6696. (Apr 08)
I live in Wellington and would like to join a book group, preferably in the western suburbs as I live in Karori, but it could be in the CBD too. I like the idea of a group that meets to discuss themes rather than a particular book each month. I have eclectic reading tastes and love finding new books to explore. If you are looking for members, or starting a group I can be contacted on: morgan-banda@paradise.net.nz. (Jan 08)
Hi, I'd like to meet people to chat about those books that leave us gasping for breath. I live in Wellington City. Please contact me through web@bookcouncil.org.nz Thanks, Melissa. (Nov 07)
Hi I am looking to join a book group in Wellington City, I mainly read contemporary fiction. Please email me details at kgudsell@gmail.com. Thank you, Katherine. (Sept 07)
South Wairarapa
I am new to the Wairarapa and would like to join an existing book club or make contact with other people wanting to establish one. Email Kate on griffbyte@yahoo.co.nz. (Aug 07)
I would love to join or start a creative writers group in the Nelson area. Please contact me at alshaworld@gmail.com if you have any information or interest in talking about writing and drinking wine. Suze. (Mar 08)
I'm Sandi and would love to join an evening bookclub in the Nelson area. Please email me at sandieddie@yahoo.com if you have space in your group or would like to set a group up. (Jan 08)I am really interested in joining an evening book group in Nelson. I read a wide range of literature and have enjoyed being part of a book group in the past. Please contact me on (03) 5485854 if your Nelson group has a space. Best regards Amy Bode (Aug 07)
Hi, My name is Kara and I have recently started a book club in Christchurch. We still some spaces for people to join, if you could put it on your noticeboard. The group is called Ink-Lings and can be viewed and even joined, via www.meetups.com or http://bookclub.meetup.com/1328/. Alternatively, you could email me at karafollowes@yahoo.com.au. If you need some more info, please feel free to ask. Kind regards, Kara (August 08)
My name is Patricia Manning and I live in the North West of Christchurch and am interested in becoming a member of an existing book club. If you have a vacancy in your club could you please phone 021 0351 074 to discuss. r.p.manning@xtra.co.nz (July 08)
I am an avid reader, mainly fiction but I’ll try anything- and I’d like to start a new book club with the aim of broadening my circle of friends, engaging in lots of lively discussions and developing some new literary directions. I live in St Martins in Christchurch, which is reasonably central. I envisage a mid-week meeting on a monthly basis, say a Wednesday evening. Initially the emphasis could be on fiction, but I’m open to all options and who knows where it could lead?
Each meeting could be in a different location, maybe a restaurant or someone’s home. A rotational basis would be best, to keep the program varied. Maybe a few nibbles and a glass of wine, and a book of course!
Is anyone out there interested? This is new territory for me, so I will be eagerly waiting your emails! Get me at negdub@gmail.com. Chris. (May 08)
Hi, my name is Lucy Johnston and I'm keen on joining a book group in Christchurch. I am a 41 year old professional female living in Cashmere. Please contact me if you have a book group that I could join, on l.johnston@psyc.canterbury.ac.nz.
Hello. My name is Howard. My 2008 resolution is to read (for pleasure) regularly. So far I am doing okay, and now I want to go the next step and join a book group. If any group has a vacancy, I will be very grateful for an opportunity to join, or perhaps be on probation. My email address is howard@dawsoninnes.co.nz. Thanks.(Mar 08)
I am interested in joining a book group in Christchurch.I live in the North Eastern suburbs and would like join a group in this area.My name is Helen and my email address is: rosengrave@clear.net.nz. (Mar 08)
Hi. I live just outside Lincoln in Canterbury. Would love to hear about any book clubs in the district - even in Christchurch. Please contact me on griff.4@xtra.co.nz if you have a book club I could get involved in. Barbara Griffin. (Feb 08)
I would love to find a book club in the Christchurch area to join. Failing that, I would like to see if others would like to join me in forming a Classics book club where we agree on an annual list of the very finest literature in the world. You know, the books you always meant to read . . .
Full disclosure: I'm a new transplant from Northern California. Contact susan@perspective.com (Nov 07)
I would very much like to join a local bookgroup in Christchurch. Tatyana Rand, Riccarton, Email: tatyana_rand@hotmail.com (Aug 07)
Hi, I live in the north west of Christchurch and would love to find a local bookclub to join. Please contact me on charlotten@clear.net.nz (Aug 07)
Sue Van Turnhout would like to join an existing book group, or make contact with other people wishing to establish one. Call (03) 351 8001 or email sue.redx@gmail.com (Aug 07)
Hi. I would like to join/start a relaxed social bookclub in Dunedin. I enjoy reading a variety of books, mainly fiction. Would love to meet some new people and discuss books over a drink or two. Contact me (Kate) on 027 6353652 or kate.chesney@stonebow.otago.ac.nz (Oct 07)
Online book groups
Scott Baxter (USA) would like to join or start an online book group with New Zealand readers. He has a passion for James K Baxter and would also like to communicate with fellow appreciators of the poet. Email: SRLBaxter@aol.com
