Writers + Kōrero

Keen to get right amongst the arts action and grow your skills under the guidance of our amazing Festival artists? We hear you!  

We’re proud to feature a star-studded line up of 22 of Aotearoa’s most beloved authors and exciting new voices.

Our 2024 Schools Programme features three stellar storytellers – Lauren Keenan, Rachael King, and Claire Mabey – who share their spellbinding tales (think ‘writers are rock stars’ vibe) and support tamariki to create their own.  

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 Elizabeth Heritage. 

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.  

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. Patricia will discuss her latest book, her approach to writing and how she has collaborated with her talented whānau in conversation with Donna McLeod.

Conservation advocates Mike Joy and Dave Hansford both know what it’s like to raise their voices, especially when others disregard, or don’t agree, with scientific evidence. They discuss the role storytelling must play in triumphing over commercial and political agendas. Chaired by Debs Martin.

Be transported from the Boat Shed Cafe to the Greek island of Naxos in this special opportunity to savour some of the dishes featured in what has been described as the ‘most delicious of novels’, The Secrets of the Little Greek Taverna, featuring Whakatū Nelson’s very own bestselling author and restauranteur Erin Palmisano. Chaired by Nicola Galloway.  

Join RNZ’s Critter of the Week researcher, illustrator, and author Lily Duval for a twilight romp through Brook Waimārama Sanctuary to learn more about our insect world – particularly the vital role ‘six-legged ghosts’ play – and how you can care for these creatures and their habitats.

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–winning 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.

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. 

Join World of WearableArt Founder & Ambassador Dame Suzie Moncrieff, Show Director Malia Johnston and award-winning designer Gill Saunders for an entertaining evening of memories.