Trigger Warning

A participatory art installation to create paper cranes for all people who have lost their lives during the current crisis in Palestine. Origami cranes are the Japanese art form Senbazuru, a traditional belief that by folding 1,000 origami cranes, one’s wish would come true.  

After wowing us in Thoroughly Modern Māui, award-winning Rutene Spooner returns to celebrate showband legacy, idolise the greatest Māori showman and tussle with the future of Māori in entertainment. This is everything but an impersonation show. Can you be like Billy without being the butt of the joke?

From accessible housing design to the tiny house movement, and everything in between, what happens when people step outside the box in housing design and development? Join architect and housing advocate Jade Kake, disability rights advocate, essayist and poet Henrietta Bollinger and local visionary Miriana Stephens, who is leading Te Āwhina Marae’s redevelopment project, in conversation with Min Hall.   

In Aotearoa the number of people who will never have children is growing. Kathryn van Beek, one of the Otherhood anthology’s three co-editors, is joined by contributors Iona Winter, Henrietta Bollinger and Lily Duval for a more inclusive conversation about what makes a fulfilling life.  

Multi-generational migrant stories are finding compelling new ways of being told in the capable, creative hands of two of the best debut novelists in Aotearoa, Jade Kake and Saraid de Silva. Both explore belonging and the legacy of intergenerational trauma while mastering a unique way of sharing the diasporic experience. Chaired by Nathan Joe. 

Rachael King and Lee Murray both evoke ancient mythological creatures from distant shores in their latest novels: the vengeful kelpie and the nine-tailed fox spirit, húli jīng.  In this session they will explore how myth not only maketh mystical realism but also elucidates key contemporary challenges. Chaired by Claire Mabey.  

In her very first festival appearance following the publication of Kataraina, Becky Manawatu discusses the highly anticipated sequel to her bestselling debut novel, Auē, alongside friend and fellow kaituhi Māori Talia Marshall, whose essay collection, Whaea Blue, is one of this year’s most anticipated non-fiction pukapuka. Chaired by Nuki Tākao.  

From broke solo mum to award-winning comedian and TV star in five years – is this a dream? Join Courtney Dawson for a hilarious wakeup call filled with warm, anecdotal humour and banger punch lines. 

RNZ presenter Susie Ferguson recounts her years as a war correspondent while battling endometriosis and discusses her breathtaking memoir on tenacity and self-belief, which shines a light on a health system that isn’t made for us and proves the importance of being loud with our truths. Chaired by Naomi Arnold.

These folx were so amazing in 2023, we had to bring them back! Join acclaimed artists Sheldon Rua and Talia Stanley for a workshop and/or exclusive live performance from the Victory Boxing ring – bring a poem or just come to listen. With special guest Nathan Joe at the Slam performance. 

Join us to celebrate Patricia Grace’s eighth short story collection, the astonishing Bird Child and Other Stories, as well as her remarkable writing life over almost 50 years. In this intimate kōrero with Becky Manawatu, she will discuss her latest book, her approach to writing and how she has collaborated with her talented whānau.

Flowing out of our curatorial statement, we explore the space between tangata (people) and wai (water) with a mini documentary film festival. Come ride the waves with us! 

Dive deeper into the relationship between tangata (people) and wai (water) with our mini documentary film festival; featuring Gaza Surf Club (Germany, 2016).

In a world first, on the day the global sales embargo ends, hear Jacqueline Bublitz talk about her new novel, Leave the Girls Behind, the dazzling follow-up to her 2022 Ngaio Marsh Award–wining debut novel, Before You Knew My Name. Chaired by Susie Ferguson.  

Cristina Sanders and Lauren Keenan are two of Aotearoa New Zealand’s preeminent historical fiction writers. Journey back in time with them to experience life through the eyes of those who history books have, to date, largely neglected. Chaired by Sylvan Thomson.

An exploration of identity, desire, family, and of being disabled and Pasifika, AIGA (Sāmoan for family/whānau) is ground-breaking theatre told through the lens of Pacific Toa award-winner Lusi Faiva.

A traveller arrives at a border with a stack of battered suitcases. From them, whole worlds emerge… Renowned for inventive staging, Trick of the Light (The Bookbinder) guide us through dark comedic tales told via lo-fi shadow play, dancing hands and a 70s stereo.

Cristina Sanders, author of Mrs Jewell and the Wreck of the General Grant (shortlisted for the Jann Medlicott Acorn Prize in 2023) and her latest book Okiwi Brown, leads this workshop on how to outline a historical fiction story and make a start on writing it.

MasterChef NZ 2022 winner Sam Low will discuss his bestselling cookbook, Modern Chinese, during this cooking demo and kōrero with his friend, celebrated poet and playwright Nathan Joe. Enjoy Kismet’s special matching cocktail/mocktail suggestions followed by a chance to taste Sam’s concoction.

True stories told live without pictures or notes: Couch Stories returns with the much-loved couch and all new stories. This year, we’re thrilled to host the 20th edition of this popular event, with tales centred around the theme: Time. 

From starting to relapse after five years of sobriety to today, do not miss this “…sharp, smart, vulnerable, and surprisingly moving work of comedy” about mistakes, addiction, compassion and how to live. Rhys Mathewson (7 Days) is unflinchingly honest and side-splittingly funny.

A clown dressed as Napoleon lands on the moon. Bubbles go everywhere. Intergalactic sounds emanate from a spaceman. What on earth is happening on this moon? These new dads have made a show that their kids would like. Bring yours, especially if they’re 7 and under! 

A three-day rave condensed into an award-winning art performance: three dancers, non-stop, endurance, club culture. A spectacle of the human body as victim to music, passion and our endless desire to achieve more. Prepare to be (literally) moved. Dance floor tickets available! 

Join us for an unforgettable night at Wero, a curated club event that honors and celebrates the vibrant contributions of BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities within Aotearoa’s electronic music scene. This unique gathering is more than just a club night; it’s a powerful homage to those who have dared to challenge societal norms, push boundaries, and reshape the cultural landscape.