Australian ‘national treasure’ John Marsden, multiple award-winning German fantasy author Cornelia Funke, our very own Booker Prize-winning author Eleanor Catton and globally lauded writer, Lloyd Jones are just a few of the international and local writers treating students to events at this year’s Auckland Writers Festival Schools’ Programme.

Eleanor Catton will talk about her path from a Canterbury childhood to the world stage as the youngest person ever to win the Man Booker Prize. John Marsden, best-selling and award-winning author, best known for his Tomorrow series, will discuss language, writing and communication.

Other events include writing workshops by critically acclaimed Kiwi writers Elizabeth Knox and Ted Dawe; performances by British comics duo The Etherington Brothers, soloist extraordinaire Trygve Wakenshaw (aka Squidboy) and a songwriting session with The X Factor finalist, Benny Tipene.

Tickets – which can only be purchased by schools – are now available. These events – which cater for students from Year 5 to Year 13 – fill up fast, so schools are encouraged to book early.

Auckland Writers Festival director, Anne O’Brien, says the schools’ programme demonstrates an unswerving commitment to inspiring young writers and readers.

“The Festival is delighted to offer two exciting days of workshops, entertainment and talks by some of the world’s best-known children’s writers. Encouraging a life-long love of reading by introducing writers to young readers is an important part of the Festival’s philosophy.”

View the full Schools’ Programme.

To make enquiries, email schools@writersfestival.co.nz and if you are from a school and would like to book go to groups@ticketmaster.co.nz or call ticketmaster on 09 970 9745.