Archived: Auckland Writers Festival 2024

The 2024 Auckland Writers Festival Waituhi O Tāmaki reveals one of the starriest lineups in years, inviting New Zealanders to spend a week with the world’s most interesting people.

The Festival takes over the Aotea Centre and select venues across the city for one week only, Tuesday 14 – Sunday 19 May 2024.

The 2024 programme comes hot on the heels of a resurgence in reading habits: book clubs are on the rise globally, BookTok has over 220b views, and celebrities have swapped perfume launches for their own reading clubs – from Reese Witherspoon to singer Florence Welch – as a renewed interest in events, in-person experiences and screen fatigue reignite a passion for reading and discussing books, especially among Gen Z.

As well as authors talks, discussions debating the latest global issues and masterclasses on everything from writing horror to crafting memoir, there’s a new emphasis on bringing literature to life in unique ways. That’s well-covered this year with dynamic events, from a vibrant evening with the Singapore Lit Salon, to Kōrero Corner taking over the QBE space with drop-in sessions and legendary singer songwriter Troy Kingi inviting the audience to help him write a waiata. Over 25 percent of the events will be free and unticketed.

Curatorial voices include award-winning author and filmmaker Michael Bennett (Ngāti Pikiao, Ngāti Whakaue), 21-year-old poet and filmmaker Matariki Bennett (Ngāti Pikiao, Ngāti Whakaue), and Professor Damon Salesa, author of the Ockham NZ Book Award shortlisted An Indigenous Ocean: Pacific Essays.

Fineran likens the Festival experience to “a great book shop brought to life” where visitors can wander over to the different areas of the site that pique their interest. This autumn Aotearoa will play host to one of the best and biggest bookshops in the world, with an envy-inducing cross-section of tastes, voices and interests. Whether you’re a first-time reader, a book a year, or a fully committed bibliophile.

The Festival is for everyone who wants to experience what books are capable of: opening a world of wonder.

See the full programme here.