Top NZ writers head to festival
More than two dozen nationally-acclaimed writers are lined up for this year's Queenstown Writers Festival.
They'll take part in author conversations, workshops, a book launch, theatre and a media panel at Te Atamira and other venues from Thursday, 31 October, through to Sunday, 3 November.
"The festival team is thrilled to be bringing the magic of storytelling to the Queenstown Lakes with some of the best writers in Aotearoa New Zealand joining us," festival chair Tanya Surrey says.
The guest list is led by an outstanding selection of non-fiction writers, who've written some of NZ's best-selling books of 2024, including journalists Steve Braunias and Paddy Gower, and TV personality Jude Dobson who wrote the incredible story of WWII spy Pippa Latour.
Dr Emma Wehipeihana (Espiner) will discuss her gutsy memoir with Otago University’s Dr Jacinta Ruru, Craig Hoyle will share his heart-wrenching story of growing up gay in an Exclusive Brethren family in Invercargill, while Olive Jones’ tale of establishing and maintaining one of NZ’s most long lasting communes will feature.
Fiction writers appearing include well-known children’s author Gavin Bishop, one of NZ's most challenging and fun writers Pip Adam, bestseller Rachael King and one of this year’s newest literary sensations, Saraid de Silva.
Former cage fighter Airana Ngarewa will share his stories of growing up in small town NZ as published in Pātea Boys, while Claire Baylis discusses her novel dissecting the internal workings of a jury with Dunedin-based defence lawyer Anne Stevens KC, a veteran of more than 170 jury trials.
Central Otago’s own Kyle Mewburn will talk about her first novel for adult readers, Scott Bainbridge discusses his most recent NZ true-crime books, Glenorchy-based book cover designer Holly Dunn shares secrets of the professionals, and Lil O’Brien and Kathryn Van Beek talk about their unique collection of essays on motherhood and its absence - Otherhood.
Author of Feijoa Kate Evans will talk about her deep dive into the story of one of our favourite fruits with Craig Hoyle, in Queenstown and Wānaka, while Gavin Bishop will also travel over the Crown Range for one of his free library sessions for children.
An icon of broadcasting, music and writing in Aotearoa, Karyn Hay, will speak about her new writers’ podcasts before the return of the popular Sampler Session where six invited local writers showcase their work.
Volunteer trustees have spent many hours deliberating over the 2024 programme, Surrey says
"The breadth of literary talent across the motu is exceptional. It has been a pleasure to collaborate with other arts groups to present a wide-ranging programme.
"Literary festivals around the country have been thriving in recent times and I am optimistic that audiences will enjoy the events in our 2024 programme. It is designed to delight and inspire."
A limited number of tickets are available for the Friday night gala opening hosted by Queenstown comedian Emma Lange and including short tales of aroha from six invited writers.
More details, including novel launches, poetry recitals, festival workshops, a media panel discussion, the return of the Queenstown Writers Festival Short Story competition, plus how to buy tickets, are available on the festival website - www.qtwritersfestival.nz
