Led by carver and artist Kahu Paki Paki, this exhibition is an intimate portal of recreation and the journey for some of our most talented carvers, weavers and makers of Te Tauihu o Te Waka a Māui.

Join us to celebrate the nine interlinking tales that comprise All Her Lives, this year’s Jann Medlicott Acorn Fiction Prize winner at the 2026 Ockham New Zealand Book Awards. Learn why Ingrid Horrocks, the author of several creative non-fiction books, turned to fiction – and the short story form, in particular – and why she believes reading about and imagining possibilities for hope is more radical than invoking dystopia. Chaired by Claire Williamson.

Joseph Trinidad‘s memoir-in-essays, Lucky Creatures, is a bold and playful collection about rebuilding life after his family emigrated from the Philippines. Standup comedian Pax Assadi, who grew up in a Pakistani/Iranian immigrant family, will be discussing his joyfully chaotic memoir, Mortified, which explores what we gain by embracing moments that make us cringe.

Emma Gilkison and Robin Robilliard discuss the two remarkable social history books they have written about two of the most beloved locations in Te Tauihu, the Top of the South Island: Tāhunanui Beach and Mōhua Golden Bay. Chaired by Kerry Sunderland.

In Plant Fiend, Peter Butler explores his relationship with plants, which have always been both a love and a refuge – and led to the establishment and success of both Forest Herbs Research and HealthPost. Chaired by Robbie Burton.

The mojitos will be flowing when Gareth Ward and Louise Ward convene at Kismet to discuss Murder and Mojitos, book three in the bestselling Bookshop Detectives series. In this high-stakes final instalment, Art Deco glamour, a Cuban crime queen and a grammar-obsessed killer collide. Chaired by Doug Brooks.

Te Ara o Hine Rēhia is a visual foray into the world of kapa haka, told through the lens of photographer Melissa Banks and her husband Jeremy Banks. Each chapter in the book covers one of the seven different disciplines that make up a kapa haka bracket, evoking the emotions and feelings association with that item. Chaired by David de Thierry.

Free – RSVP here (RSVP essential)

Four musicians from different cultural traditions meet on stage.

One of Aotearoa’s most exciting new comedic voices.

Discover the rich history of Fairfield House.