Royal Society Te Apārangi partners with Wiley to expand global readership for its journals

Wiley is excited to announce a new publishing partnership with the Royal Society Te Apārangi. This strategic alliance, beginning in 2026, represents a major step forward for the Society’s eight journals, and for Aotearoa New Zealand’s research community.

First published in New Zealand in 1867, the Society’s journals showcase research discoveries from Aotearoa New Zealand and around the world, with overseas contributions steadily increasing in recent years. The transition to Wiley comes at a crucial moment, as the journals are growing at an unprecedented rate. In 2024 alone, the Society’s journals received 1,785 submissions and published more than 500 papers.

The strategic collaboration should enable more researchers across New Zealand and internationally to publish open-access papers free-of-charge due to Wiley’s Transformative Agreements with a broad range of participating organizations.

The Society remains firmly committed to New Zealand researchers, and this new partnership will provide all active Members, Companions, and Fellows of the Society with complimentary digital access to its journals.

Paul Atkins, Chief Executive of the Royal Society Te Apārangi, says: “We are thrilled to be partnering with Wiley to build on the momentum behind our journals. This milestone supports sustained growth, and enhances both the reputation of the journals and the international profile of New Zealand researchers. This partnership ensures that the Society is well positioned to meet the growing expectations of researchers.

“With increasing competition between journals and a rapidly evolving open access landscape, this partnership will provide access to innovative tools and resources to accelerate growth and visibility of the Society’s journals. Wiley’s long-standing reputation, experience, and global network of publishing partners will help the Society’s journals to navigate the challenges currently faced by the research community, and unleash their potential.”  

Peter D’Onghia, Director, Partner Publishing – APAC, Wiley, says: “The Royal Society of New Zealand Te Apārangi stands as the foremost scientific society in New Zealand, and we take immense pride in our close association with such a distinguished institution. The Society’s eight journals are of the highest quality, earning respect, not only within New Zealand, but also on a global scale. Partnership is in Wiley’s DNA, and we’re excited to work with the Society to advance its local and global publishing goals.”

Fei He, Head of Publishing at the Royal Society Te Apārangi, highlights the dual focus of the partnership: “This partnership presents a valuable opportunity to extend the influence of our journals and deepen engagement with the global research community, particularly in the Southern Hemisphere and Global South, while continuing to nurture our strong foundation in New Zealand. Partnering with Wiley equips us to grow with purpose and confidence in a dynamic publishing environment.

“The Society’s journals will continue to lead the way in academic publishing, supporting both local and international researchers, delivering exceptional editorial experiences, and strengthening their standing as an internationally recognized brand. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to advancing scholarly excellence – across disciplines and across borders.”