How to identify a first printing
- 1991-present: Māori-owned and Māori-focused publisher founded in 1991 by Robyn (Rangihuia) Bargh and Brian Bargh. First editions are identified from the copyright/imprint page by the statement 'First published 19xx/20xx by Huia Publishers'; later printings add a 'Reprinted' line. A first printing carries the earliest stated publication year and no reprint history.
- Bilingual context (te reo Māori / English): some works exist as separate reo Māori and English editions, each with its own 'First published' line — establish which language edition you hold before calling it a first.
- On some trade titles a standard descending number line may also appear; where present, the lowest digit indicates the printing. Treat the stated 'First published' line plus the absence of any reprint line as the primary evidence, and use a number line only as corroboration.
Notable points & cautions
- New Zealand's foremost Māori publisher (te reo Māori and English), associated with the Huia Short Stories anthologies and the Pikihuia Awards.
- Bilingual publishing means a single work may exist in separate reo Māori and English first editions — identify the language edition.
- Named after the extinct huia bird; founded by Robyn Bargh (made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit, 2012) and Brian Bargh.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Huia, Huia Publishers. Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Huia Publishers book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. 1991-present: Māori-owned and Māori-focused publisher founded in 1991 by Robyn (Rangihuia) Bargh and Brian Bargh. First editions are identified from the copyright/imprint page by the statement 'First published 19xx/20xx by Huia Publishers'; later printings add a 'Reprinted' line. A first printing carries the earliest stated publication year and no reprint history. Bilingual context (te reo Māori / English): some works exist as separate reo Māori and English editions, each with its own 'First published' line — establish which language edition you hold before calling it a first.
Does Huia Publishers use a number line?
Bilingual context (te reo Māori / English): some works exist as separate reo Māori and English editions, each with its own 'First published' line — establish which language edition you hold before calling it a first.
Is a book-club edition a Huia Publishers first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. New Zealand's foremost Māori publisher (te reo Māori and English), associated with the Huia Short Stories anthologies and the Pikihuia Awards.
What era does this cover?
This covers Huia Publishers (1991-present). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.