Schools Programme Hōtaka Kura Tuesday 14 - Thursday 16 May 2024

Bookings are now open for our 2024 Schools Programme!

Auckland Writers Festival l Waituhi o Tāmaki is thrilled to announce our speaker line-up for the 2024 Schools Programme Hōtaka Kura, running from Tuesday 14 to Thursday 16 May.

Read more to find out about our fantastic programme and start planning you and your students' Festival experience. Bookings are now open, please note that sessions sell out quickly, booking forms can be found below.

This year’s programme features 18 fantastic writers from Aotearoa New Zealand and around the globe; all with a passion for storytelling, and the unique ability to share their experiences and journey into the world of writing. These exciting artists will help students unlock their creativity and curiosity, across a variety of forms and styles.

The programme will be presented at the Aotea Centre in Auckland’s CBD, and is tailored for Upper Primary (14, 15 or 16 May), Intermediate (14 May) and Secondary (15 or 16 May). Each day is broken up into four sessions, and during the breaks, students will get the opportunity to meet with our featured speakers, who can sign their books and answer any burning questions. Books of the featured writers will be available for purchase at our Festival Bookstall.

Bookings are now open for our Schools Programme

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD OUR FULL 2024 SCHOOLS PROGRAMME

Download booking form for Upper Primary, Tuesday 14-Thursday 16 May
Download booking form for Intermediate, Tuesday 14 May
Download booking form for Secondary, Wednesday 15 May
Download booking form for Secondary Thursday 16 May

Our Schools Programme is generously supported by the Freemasons Foundation, making our ticket prices as accessible as possible.

• Full day attendance (four x 45-minute sessions) is $13 per student;
• Workshop places (one hour) are an additional $16 per student;
• Teachers attend FREE of charge.

A note from our Family and Schools Programmer, Gabrielle Vincent:

“This programme is designed with a range of access points, to inspire the next generation of readers and writers. As a student I was described as a “reluctant reader” and for years I struggled to find my way into the joy of reading, but with the support of a passionate teacher I was able discover material that made sense to me. It was this connection that set me on the journey that has led me to this role. My inspiration, when curating this programme, was to capture the attention of all types of young readers and writers, and to ensure it is as fun as it is educational. We can’t wait to see you there!”

Introducing our 2024 speakers

Elizabeth Acevedo (US) – Multi-award-winning international writer and slam poet

Rajorshi and Leela Chakraborti (NZ) – Father and daughter writing duo

Giselle Clarkson (NZ) – Illustrator and 2023 Arts Foundation Laureate

Amber Esau (NZ) – Poet and slam champion

Jason Gunn (NZ) – Television star turned children’s writer

Natalie Haynes (UK) – Internationally best-selling author, classicist and comedian

Sophie Henderson (NZ) – Internationally acclaimed screenwriter

David Hill (NZ) – 2024 Companion of the Order of NZ for services to literature, especially children’s literature

Rachael King (NZ) – Award-winning author and former literary festival director

Claire Mabey (NZ) – Author and literary festival director

Dahlia Malaeulu (NZ) – Award-winning Pasifika writer and publisher

Selina Tusitala Marsh (NZ) – Poet Laureate and celebrated children’s author

Maryam Master (AUS) – Award-winning novelist and children’s playwright

Steph Matuku (NZ) – Award-winning author and screenwriter

Airana Ngarewa (NZ) – #1 NZ charts best-selling author and educator

Deborah Robertson (NZ) – Author, educator and outdoor enthusiast

Zech Soakai (NZ) – Spoken word champion and educator

Tim Tipene (NZ) – 2023 NZ Book Awards for Children & YA Finalist

Download our 2024 Schools Programme content and schedules by clicking the links below:

Upper Primary content and schedule
Intermediate content and schedule
Secondary content and schedule

Schools Transport Fund

The kaupapa of the AWF Schools Programme Hōtaka Kura is to celebrate curiosity and create pathways to the transformative power of reading and writing for the next generation.

But we know that not everyone’s pathway is smooth or obstacle-free. That’s why we are delighted to be able to provide transport subsidies to assist with travel costs to attend the AWF Schools Programme Hōtaka Kura. If you wish to apply to the Schools Transport Fund for help towards the cost of transport for your school, please complete the online application form by Friday 01 March 2024. Notification of outcome will be confirmed via email on Monday 18 March 2024.

Applications are assessed on a needs basis. Successful applicants will be required to submit an invoice by 14 June to receive their funds.

If you encounter any issues with this form or have general questions about the fund please email: schools@writersfestival.co.nz

The Transport Fund is kindly supported by The Potter Masonic Trust

Barfoot & Thompson Young Authors Challenge 2024

The Barfoot & Thompson Young Authors Challenge will be launched on Tuesday 14 May to coincide with the opening of the Schools Programme. Designed to encourage young creatives and aspiring writers with a new story theme each year, the winning entrants secure cash prizes and book tokens both for themselves and their schools. Start encouraging your budding writers now!

Book Tokens

For the first time in 2024, thanks to the Freemasons Foundation, 10 schools will each receive up to $1000 worth of tokens for students to purchase books at the Festival Bookshop during the Schools Programme.

The 10 schools that receive book tokens will be schools that qualify for the Transport Fund. Once selected, the teachers from the 10 schools will distribute the book tokens to their students

Our Schools Programme is proudly supported by

YOUNG AUTHORS CHALLENGE