After establishing Massey University Press for Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University 10 years ago, Publisher Nicola Legat (pictured) is stepping into a new Publisher at Large position at the Press. The university is seeking a full-time publisher to fill the role.

“The 10-year anniversary seems an apt time to make this change,” Nicola says. “I came here after 10 years as the publishing director at Random House, where I had all the support of a large multinational, and had to build the Press from scratch, taking on all the tasks myself. That has been quite a journey but the university has been very supportive at all times. I have a wonderful team, and we have also been supported by the brilliant people at Archetype Book Reps, Upstart Distribution and Sarah Thornton and her publicity associates.

For much of the past 10 years, Massey University Press (MUP) also delivered publishing services to Te Papa Press, for whom Nicola was also the Press’s publisher from 2016. As at MUP, she built a highly regarded, award-winning list of beautiful illustrated books for the museum publisher before handing over the role in 2024.

The university is now advertising the publisher role. After the new publisher starts in March 2026, Nicola will stay closely involved with the Press, working part-time on key projects and mentoring her successor. She will also continue her engagement with the publishing and literature sector, including her work as the chair of the New Zealand Book Awards Trust.