Advancing Open Scholarship in Aotearoa
The transition of Kōtuitui: New Zealand Journal of Social Sciences Online to Gold Open Access marks a significant development for social science research in New Zealand. Beginning in 2026, the journal enters a new publishing partnership with Wiley, shifting from its previous model to full immediate open access. This change aligns with broader efforts to increase the visibility and accessibility of research focused on Aotearoa New Zealand and the Asia-Pacific region.
Understanding the Journal and Its Scope
Kōtuitui, whose Māori name means 'interweaving,' publishes rigorous, influential research on social, cultural, economic, political, health, and psychological issues. The journal emphasizes interdisciplinary work and dialogue between national and international scholars. Its Editor-in-Chief is Professor Rachel Simon-Kumar. The online ISSN is 1177-083X, and it is published under the auspices of the Royal Society of New Zealand Te Apārangi.
Details of the Wiley Partnership and Gold Open Access Shift
From 2026, the journal will operate as a Gold Open Access publication. Authors, their institutions, or funders will pay an Article Publication Charge (APC) of USD $2,100 for accepted articles. This model ensures immediate free availability for reading, downloading, and sharing. The journal previously appeared on the Taylor & Francis platform before the move to Wiley.
APC Structure and Support Mechanisms
The APC stands at USD 2,100, with equivalent amounts in GBP and EUR. Automatic waivers or discounts apply for corresponding authors from institutions in countries on Wiley’s waivers list. New Zealand authors may benefit from the Wiley Open Access agreement with the Council of Australasian University Librarians (CAUL), potentially covering the full APC for eligible corresponding authors affiliated with participating institutions. For New Zealand-based corresponding authors without coverage through such agreements, the Royal Society Te Apārangi may offer APC waivers on a case-by-case basis. Authors should contact the publishing team prior to submission for waiver inquiries.
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Implications for New Zealand Researchers and Institutions
This transition supports greater global reach for New Zealand social science scholarship. Researchers at universities such as the University of Auckland, Victoria University of Wellington, and the University of Otago stand to gain from enhanced visibility. The model encourages compliance with funder mandates while providing licensing options including CC BY, CC BY-NC, and CC BY-NC-ND, with CC BY required for certain funders.
Benefits of Gold Open Access for Social Sciences
Gold Open Access removes paywalls, allowing wider readership and potential increases in citations and impact. For topics relevant to Māori communities, Pacific peoples, and regional issues, this accessibility can foster greater engagement from policymakers, practitioners, and the public. The interweaving ethos of the journal is strengthened as ideas flow more freely across borders.
Context Within New Zealand’s Research Landscape
New Zealand’s higher education and research sectors continue to prioritize open scholarship. The Royal Society Te Apārangi plays a central role in supporting this journal and broader initiatives. The shift reflects international trends toward open access while addressing local needs through targeted waiver provisions for New Zealand authors.
Practical Considerations for Authors
Prospective authors should review Wiley’s institutional agreements and the CAUL guide for New Zealand participants. Submissions will follow standard peer review processes, with the APC applying only upon acceptance. No submission or page charges apply. The journal continues to welcome original research papers, review articles, short communications, and invited book reviews.
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Future Outlook for the Journal
With the Wiley partnership, Kōtuitui is positioned for expanded reach and sustainability. The Gold Open Access model supports the journal’s mission to strengthen the global profile of New Zealand social science research. Ongoing collaboration between the Royal Society Te Apārangi and Wiley will shape its development in the coming years.
Engaging with Open Access Resources
Researchers interested in similar transitions can explore Wiley’s broader open access resources and agreements. The move underscores the value of partnerships between national societies and international publishers in advancing accessible scholarship.
