The Royal Society Te Apārangi and Its Flagship Journal
The Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand stands as one of the country's oldest and most respected platforms for multidisciplinary research. Established in the 1860s as the Transactions and Proceedings of the New Zealand Institute, it has evolved into a key outlet for original work spanning science, technology, social sciences, and the humanities with a focus on New Zealand and the Pacific region. For academics at institutions like the University of Auckland, Victoria University of Wellington, and the University of Otago, publishing here has long represented a mark of quality and national relevance.
This journal plays a vital role in New Zealand's higher-education landscape by connecting researchers across disciplines and supporting the dissemination of findings that address local challenges such as climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, and indigenous knowledge integration. Its multidisciplinary approach encourages collaboration between university faculties, government research bodies, and industry partners.
Announcement of the Wiley Publishing Partnership
In mid-2025, the Royal Society Te Apārangi announced a strategic publishing partnership with Wiley, one of the world's leading academic publishers. Beginning in 2026, all eight of the Society's journals, including the Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand, moved under Wiley's management. This transition builds on the Society's long-standing commitment to advancing research while adapting to modern publishing demands.
The partnership aims to enhance global visibility, streamline submission processes, and expand open-access options for authors affiliated with New Zealand universities. Officials from the Royal Society highlighted the growing volume of submissions in recent years as a key driver, noting that the journals had experienced unprecedented growth in 2024 alone.
Key Features of the Transition to Wiley
The shift involves several practical changes for researchers and institutions. Manuscripts now benefit from Wiley's advanced online platform, which includes improved peer-review tools, free-format submission options, and enhanced discoverability through integration with major indexing services. Authors from New Zealand universities participating in Read & Publish agreements can often publish open access without incurring article processing charges.
Early-career researchers receive particular support through dedicated editorial board positions and initiatives like the Early-Career Researcher Forum. This aligns with broader efforts in New Zealand higher education to nurture the next generation of academics amid competitive job markets in research roles.
The June 2026 Issue: Volume 56, Issue 3
The June 2026 issue represents one of the first full volumes produced under the new Wiley partnership. Published as Volume 56, Issue 3, it continues the journal's tradition of showcasing high-quality, original research. While specific article titles vary, the issue reflects ongoing themes in New Zealand scholarship, including environmental sustainability, health innovations, and social policy developments relevant to Pacific communities.
University administrators and PhD supervisors note that such issues provide timely examples for students preparing manuscripts or seeking publication venues. The timing coincides with increased focus on open-access mandates from funding bodies like the Royal Society itself and major New Zealand research funders.
Open Access and Broader Implications for New Zealand Research
A significant aspect of the transition involves movement toward gold open access models for several titles. This development supports New Zealand's national goals for accessible research outputs, allowing greater reach for work produced at public universities. Researchers benefit from wider citation potential, which can strengthen applications for academic positions and grants.
Administrators at institutions across the country view the change positively for its potential to reduce barriers for international collaborators while maintaining rigorous standards. The partnership also facilitates special issues on timely topics, such as food systems and sustainable agriculture, which directly inform policy and teaching in higher-education settings.
Benefits for Academics, Administrators, and Job Seekers
For faculty members, the Wiley platform offers streamlined workflows and greater exposure. PhD candidates and postdoctoral researchers gain from enhanced visibility when building publication records essential for securing lecturer or research assistant roles. University libraries benefit from consolidated access agreements that align with budget considerations in the current economic climate.
The transition encourages greater engagement with early-career initiatives, helping address talent pipeline concerns in New Zealand's research sector. Job seekers abroad interested in New Zealand opportunities can now more easily access recent publications to understand institutional research priorities.
Challenges and Opportunities in the New Publishing Landscape
Any major transition brings adjustments, including familiarizing authors with new submission guidelines and ensuring continuity in editorial processes. However, Wiley's global infrastructure provides opportunities for expanded international readership and potential growth in submissions from Pacific-region scholars.
New Zealand universities are well-positioned to leverage these changes through existing partnerships and internal support for open-access publishing. The move aligns with global trends toward more equitable access to scholarly knowledge.
Photo by Alexandre Lecocq on Unsplash
Future Outlook for the Journal and NZ Higher Education
Looking ahead, the Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand under Wiley is expected to continue evolving with calls for papers on emerging topics and ongoing support for special issues. This positions New Zealand research prominently on the international stage while reinforcing the country's commitment to high-quality, impactful scholarship.
As the higher-education sector navigates funding pressures and internationalization goals, such publishing advancements contribute to stronger research ecosystems at universities nationwide. The June 2026 issue serves as an early milestone in this promising new chapter.
