Macmillan Publishers New Zealand Distribution

Press Release:
From 1 January 2011, when the lease on our warehouse in Albany expires, Macmillan Publishers New Zealand Ltd will manage the distribution of titles in New Zealand from the Macmillan distribution centre in Melbourne, Australia.

We made the decision not to lease a new, larger, warehouse in New Zealand only after carefully considering a number of factors, including the increasing popularity of ebooks and the changing circumstances of the book industry and of the retail market in New Zealand.

The economics of our increasingly volatile industry means we simply cannot afford to match the scale and efficiency of the Melbourne operation. This leads inexorably to the conclusion that the decision we have taken is the best course of action both for our business and for the book trade in New Zealand. It makes sense for us to take advantage of the investment Macmillan Publishers Australia has made in the Melbourne distribution centre, rather than attempting to replicate it here.

Although the turnaround for orders placed with Macmillan Publishers will inevitably be slightly longer – we anticipate 4-6 days – orders are far more likely to be received fulfilled in their entirety than is currently the case.

The sales and marketing functions will remain in New Zealand, and customer service calls to our 0800 number will be answered by staff in Auckland and Melbourne.

As a result of the warehouse closure we will regrettably no longer sell and distribute The Road Code titles, Walker Books, Exisle Publishing and Auckland University Press titles. These publishers will make their own arrangements for sales and distribution from 1 January 2011.

I am incredibly sad to say goodbye to our loyal team of 18 people in warehouse distribution, customer service and other staff who have provided such excellent service to the New Zealand book trade over the years. Our decision is no reflection on their work or service: it simply reflects the economics of publishing in 2010.

David Joel
Managing Director
October 19, 2010