THE 2026 SCHOOLS PROGRAMME HŌTAKA KURA

TUESDAY 12 – THURSDAY 14 MAY 2026, AOTEA CENTRE

SCHOOLS PROGRAMME HŌTAKA KURA BOOKINGS OPEN

**Please book early to avoid disappointment**

Auckland Writers Festival Waituhi o Tāmaki is delighted to deliver the 2026 Schools Programme with the generous support of the Freemasons Foundation. Bookings now open and tickets are on sale. Through this programme we hope to inspire young writers and readers and celebrate the love of story.

THIS YEARS FEATURED WRITERS:

Matariki Bennett (AotearoaNZ) - Slam poet and filmmaker

Kenneth Chapman (AotearoaNZ) - Debut novelist and educator

Li Chen (AotearoaNZ/China) - Graphic novelist, comic artist

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

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

Gilbert Enoka (Aotearoa NZ) - Former All Blacks mental-skills coach

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

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

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

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

Claire Mabey (AotearoaNZ) - Award-winning fantasy novelist

Kimberley Ngareta Kearney (Aotearoa NZ) - Picture-book author and educator

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

Josh Silver (UK)- Award-winning author of dystopian YA fiction and mental-health nurse

Manaia Tuwhare-Hoani (Aotearoa NZ) - Spoken-word poet

Zak Waipara (Aotearoa NZ) - Illustrator and comic artist

Sonya Wilson (Aotearoa NZ) - Children’s author and journalist

SCHOOLS BOOKINGS FORM

Upper Primary Years 5-6: Tuesday 12 or Wednesday 13 or Thursday 14 May

Intermediate Years 7-8: Tuesday 12 May

Secondary Years 9-13: Wednesday 13 or Thursday 14 May

All booking forms are to be emailed to groups@ticketmaster.co.nz Upon receipt of your booking Ticketmaster will issue an invoice for immediate payment.

SCHOOLS TRANSPORT FUND APPLICATION

If you wish to apply to the Schools Transport Fund for help towards the cost of transport for your school, please complete the online form  by 5pm on Friday 06 March 2026. Notification of outcome will be confirmed via email on 20 March 2026.

Applications are assessed on a needs basis. Successful applicants will be required to submit an invoice by 12 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

Our Schools Programme is proudly supported by

PRINCIPAL PARTNER