KUPU Māori Writers Festival releases full program

The KUPU Māori Writers Festival has released its full program, running 17–18 October in Rotorua.

Among those headlining the event are Poia Rewi, Tim Finn, Hana Tapiata, Donovan Farnham, Mike McRoberts, JP Pomare, Stacy Gregg, and Tim Worrall.

The first day of the festival will be dedicated to te reo Māori (the Māori language), with translators and authors participating.

Highlights include sessions on screenwriting and fiction, a discussion with publishers on championing Māori voices in Aotearoa, and a panel on connecting with te ao Māori (the Māori worldview) through language.

A gala dinner prepared by chefs Kārena and Kasey Bird will close the festival, featuring speakers Ngāhuia Te Awekōtuku and Monty Soutar and performances by MOHI, Matariki Bennet, and a kapa haka team.

Organiser and kaihautū for KUPU Ruakiri Fairhall said, ‘There are so many kupu within the whakaario of our wharenui, but those kupu may not be understood by many. To bring multiple kupu experts; bringing their stories to life within the bosom of our ancestral houses, makes this a unique space of wānanga and engagement. KUPU helps to bring the stories of our carved wharenui to life.’

The Pikihuia Awards event will follow the festival on 19 October at Te Puia.

More information about the festival is available on its website.

Category: Festivals Local news