THE SCHOOLS PROGRAMME HŌTAKA KURA

Schools Programme Hōtaka Kura

DATES: Tuesday 11 – Thursday 13 May 2027 | Aotea Centre, Auckland. For students in Years 5 – 13.

Bring your students to meet writers, discover new books and ideas, and find inspiration for their own reading and writing.

Auckland Writers Festival’s Schools Programme brings together writers, poets and illustrators from Aotearoa, New Zealand and around the world. With sessions tailored to upper primary, intermediate and secondary students, it offers an opportunity to experience books and storytelling beyond the classroom.

Planning your school’s activities for 2027? Save the dates now and join our schools mailing list for programme announcements and booking information.

It has turned a whole group of boys into readers - they were so stoked to have their own signed copies that they all read, and they have kept on reading. It has been life-changing.” - Educator

We have programmes for your students

Upper primary: Years 5–6

Intermediate: Years 7–8

Secondary: Years 9–13

We welcome schools attending for the first time as well as those returning to the Festival. If you’re considering bringing students in 2027, please get in touch with our Schools Programme team at schools@writersfestival.co.nz.

"Our students got so much out of it that they felt they needed to do a haka of appreciation at the end of the day before we left." (Educator)

SUPPORT WITH ATTENDING

With the generous support of the Freemasons Foundation, we’re working to make the 2027 Schools Programme accessible to more students.

Ticket prices and details of support through the Schools Transport Fund will be shared when confirmed. If transport costs could prevent your school from attending, please contact schools@writersfestival.co.nz to discuss your needs.

EXPLORE THE SCHOOLS PROGRAMME

In 2026, more than 6,000 students attended three days of author sessions, performances and workshops at Aotea Centre.

The programme explored poetry, graphic novels, fantasy, wellbeing and storytelling, with featured writers including Nikita Gill, Graci Kim, Rachael King, Josh Silver and Zak Waipara.

Explore the 2026 programme for an idea of the sessions and experiences available.

"I really liked how there was a variety of authors and writers from different backgrounds and varied genres." - (Student)

VIEW THE 2026 PROGRAMME HERE

STAY INFORMED FOR 2027
Join our schools mailing list to receive programme announcements and booking information. Please share this page with your colleagues who organise author visits, literacy activities or school trips.

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