Fresh vision and energy are coming to the Kiwi Kids’ Bookstore with a change in ownership taking place on 24 August 2026.
Founded by North Canterbury junior fiction author Kate Gordon-Smith in 2020, the online bookstore has a well-established niche as a retailer of books for children and teens exclusively by Aotearoa New Zealand authors and illustrators.
The new owner is passionate booklover, reading advocate and IT specialist Lisa Gill, from Napier. She’s excited to take on her new role as a bookseller who champions New Zealand children’s and teen books.
Gill says, with a BA in English and Art History, she always imagined she would end up doing something surrounded by books and words. “Although I somehow accidentally ended up in IT instead! Earlier in my career, I was a writer for Pavement and Pulp magazines, and I’ve been a passionate reader since I was young.
“I’m a huge advocate for children’s reading; when my son was younger, every achievement, big or small, was rewarded with a book, and I love the role books can play in sparking curiosity, imagination and a lifelong love of learning.
“I’m particularly passionate about supporting New Zealand writers and publishers, which is one of the things that attracted me so strongly to The Kiwi Kids’ Bookstore. I love what Kate has created in establishing an online bookstore, but especially its focus on showcasing and celebrating books by New Zealand authors.
“I’m incredibly excited to take the business forward and bring together my background in IT with my lifelong love of books, while building on Kate’s wonderful work and continuing to support Kiwi children, families and our talented community of New Zealand writers.”
For Gordon-Smith, becoming a bookseller wasn’t something she’d ever considered doing alongside writing junior fiction and her business communications consultancy.
“When I published my first book in 2019, I had the idea of creating an online space dedicated to selling children’s books by New Zealand authors,” says Gordon-Smith. “I tend to be a ‘get in there and have a go’ kind of person, as I did when choosing to publish my first book independently, so that’s what I did with the bookstore.
“Of course, it was hard work at times with plenty of ‘what the heck am I doing’ phases, but I was determined to work things out myself and my limited budget went into adding new stock to grow the bookstore. Bit by bit, I learned about authors and publishers, reviewed book samples, explored backlists, made connections with teachers, librarians and across the NZ book sector, and read more books. I love book buyers asking for my suggestions for their young reader – it’s one of the greatest pleasures of bookselling to hear that your recommendations were enjoyed by the child being gifted a book.
“It’s been an absolute joy getting to know lots of Kiwi authors and illustrators personally. We have so many exceptionally talented writers and illustrators in Aotearoa – every day I’m still amazed at the variety of books being created on such a range of topics and themes. I’ve learned a massive amount to help me with my own writing and publishing. I’m proud of what I created with the Kiwi Kids’ Bookstore and what it represents today: a place where it’s easy for people to find great books for children and teens written by New Zealanders.
“I’m thrilled that Lisa is excited to take the Kiwi Kids’ Bookstore into the future. She brings a great passion for books and reading, and IT knowledge – all positive things for the bookstore and its role championing New Zealand children’s books.”
Stepping out of her bookseller role, Gordon-Smith continues to write for children aged seven to 12, and will spend more time working with authors and publishers on their book publicity and marketing projects. She is also on the Board of the Coalition for Books, the creator of the NZ Indie Publishing Directory, and coaches authors navigating the complexities of self-publishing.
The Kiwi Kids’ Bookstore is an online-only bookshop, www.kiwikidsbooks.nz, devoted to New Zealand books for children and teens.
