THE SCHOOLS PROGRAMME HŌTAKA KURA

TUESDAY 11 – THURSDAY 13 MAY 2027, AOTEA CENTRE

SCHOOLS PROGRAMME HŌTAKA KURA

Auckland Writers Festival Waituhi o Tāmaki was delighted to deliver the 18th annual Schools Programme | Hōtaka Kura in May 2026 with the generous support of the Freemasons Foundation.

Designed to inspire and stimulate young readers and writers, the Schools Programme welcomed more than 6,000 Year 5–13 students across three exciting days of sessions and workshops at the Aotea Centre.

Students had the opportunity to connect with the writers, poets, illustrators and thinkers behind books they know and love, while also discovering new voices from across Aotearoa New Zealand and around the world. Tailored for primary, intermediate and secondary students, this year’s programme featured dynamic conversations, performances and workshops that celebrated the power of story, imagination and ideas.

We passionately believe books and ideas should be accessible to all. Thanks to the continued support of the Freemasons Foundation, the Festival was able to keep ticket prices affordable, provide travel subsidies through the Schools Transport Fund and support initiatives that help bring literature and creativity to tamariki and rangatahi throughout Aotearoa.

Thank you to all the schools, teachers, librarians, students and whānau who joined us for the 2026 Schools Programme.

VIEW THE 2026 PROGRAMME HERE

THIS YEAR’S FEATURED WRITERS:

Matariki Bennett(AotearoaNZ) – Slam poet and filmmaker

Kenneth Chapman (AotearoaNZ) – Debut novelist and educator

Li Chen (AotearoaNZ/China) – Graphic novelist and comic artist

Sarina Clark (AotearoaNZ) – Author of the bestselling Dragonfall series

Dr Hinemoa Elder (AotearoaNZ) – Bestselling author and child and adolescent psychiatrist

Gilbert Enoka (AotearoaNZ) – Former All Blacks mental-skills coach

Nikita Gill (Ireland/India) – Insta poet and acclaimed author

Graci Kim (AotearoaNZ/Korea) – New York Times bestselling author

Rachael King (AotearoaNZ) – Writer, reviewer and former literary festival director

Kiri Lightfoot (AotearoaNZ) – Winner of the Storylines Tessa Duder Award 2024

Claire Mabey (AotearoaNZ) – Award-winning fantasy novelist

Kimberley Ngareta Kearney (AotearoaNZ) – Picture-book author and educator

David A. Robertson (Canada) – Multiple award-winning author and graphic novelist

Josh Silver (UK) – Award-winning YA author and mental-health nurse

Manaia Tuwhare-Hoani (AotearoaNZ) – Spoken-word poet

Zak Waipara (AotearoaNZ) – Illustrator and comic artist

Sonya Wilson (AotearoaNZ) – Children’s author and journalist

Across three inspiring days, thousands of students from around Aotearoa experienced engaging talks, workshops and performances designed to spark creativity, curiosity and a lifelong love of reading and writing.

From poetry and graphic novels to fantasy, wellbeing and storytelling, the programme celebrated a diverse range of voices and ideas that resonated with young audiences of all ages.

We look forward to welcoming schools back again in 2027. Keep an eye on our website and channels for future programme announcements and booking information.

For any Schools Programme enquiries or to join our schools mailing list please email: schools@writersfestival.co.nz

Our Schools Programme is proudly supported by

PRINCIPAL PARTNER