Auckland Writers Festival announces 2025 program

Auckland Writers Festival Waituhi O Tāmaki has announced its 2025 program, to be held in Tāmaki Makaurau 13–18 May.

Close to 50 international participants and more than 170 Aotearoa New Zealand writers will appear in 170+ events. International guests include Edward Wong, Harriet Walter, Samantha Harvey, Ian Rankin, Colm Tóibín, Rumaan Alam, Chris Whitaker, Mariana Enriquez, Sayaka Murata, Yael van der Wouden, Philippe Sands, AC Grayling, Alan Hollinghurst, Lars Mytting and Torrey Peters.

Local writers appearing include Monty Soutar, Catherine Chidgey, Tina Makereti, Becky Manawatu and Carl Shuker. Australian writers include Trent Dalton, Andy Griffiths, Jessica Townsend, Stan Grant and Robbie Arnott.

Events include the slam poetry night Streetside, featuring readings and performances in Britomart; the Pukapuka Adventures event for children, featuring readings, playtime sessions and workshops; a schools events, which will take place on 13–15 May at the Aotea Centre; and the announcement of the 2025 Ockham New Zealand Book Awards winners on 14 May.

Artistic director Lyndsey Fineran said: ‘I’m so proud to reveal this year’s ambitious, wide-ranging and creative line-up – the result of a very talented and passionate team’s hard work – that will bring writers from near and far together, and books to life in a whole range of dynamic ways this May.’

The 2024 festival broke audience records and book sales increased by 50% on the previous year. Fineran said: ’My co-leader, Catriona Ferguson, and I were blown away by the reception to AWF24 and the incredible excitement for books it generated in those six autumn days in Tāmaki and beyond.’

Category: Festivals Local news