Long-time creative programmer for the Auckland Writers Festival, Bridget van der Zijpp, will step into a key position as curator of the 2023 event.

“Bridget will lead the artistic direction of the 2023 Festival in the newly created role of Associate Director,” said the Festival’s Chief Executive, Kathleen Drumm. “I am impressed by her ideas and enthusiasm, her understanding of how audiences engage with talent, and by her thoughtful consideration of all the essential parts needed to achieve excellence in programming.”

Alongside Bridget will be a curator for each of the Māori, Asian and Pasifika streams of the programme.

"We have exciting plans in place for the 2023 Festival" said Bridget van der Zijpp. "After a period when international travel has proved to be challenging, we're looking forward to welcoming some brilliant writers from around the world. Equally, we will provide a creative platform for exceptional storytellers and thinkers from within Aotearoa. I am thrilled to have a hand in bringing together a truly stimulating series of writer events for our audiences.”

The 2023 programme will be announced on 22 March and the Festival will run from 16 to 21 May.

A published author, Bridget plans to work part-time for the Festival from mid-2023, so she can work on a new novel.

An announcement about the Artistic Director for the Auckland Writers Festival (for 2024 and beyond) will be made in the New Year.

The Festival is New Zealand’s largest celebration of books and ideas, connecting 200 of the world’s best writers with large and enthusiastic attendances, including 6000 school children, during the week-long event.

The inaugural Auckland Writers Festival was held in 1999. Founded by award-winning New Zealand novelist, poet and playwright Stephanie Johnson and the late filmmaker, novelist and historian Peter Wells, the Festival has since grown to become one of the most highly anticipated events in the New Zealand cultural landscape, and one of the best attended literary festivals, per capita, in the world.