wednesday 27th
Rising Voices Youth Poetry Regional Slam
When: Wednesday, 27 August 6.30pm
Who: Hosted by Tusiata Avia, with judges Grace Taylor and Alice Anderson. Presented by Niu Navigations
What: Poetry Slam Finals
Venue: Te Puna Wanaka Marae, CPIT, Coventry Street
Price: Free
Learn moreShigeru Ban: Cardboard Cathedral
When: Wednesday, 27 August 7.30pm
Who: Shigeru Ban & Dr Andrew Barrie
What: The launch of the definitive book on Christchurch’s Transitional Cathedral, with author Andrew Barrie in conversation with architect Shigeru Ban.
Venue: Transitional Cathedral
Price: $25 / $23
Buy Tickets Learn morethursday 28th
Read Aloud Schools Programme
When: Thursday, 28 August Various
Who: Melinda Szymanik, Jackie French, Donovan Bixley and Anis Mojgani, Dylan Horrocks, Laini Taylor
What: Primary and secondary school students are inspired by a range of writers.
Venue: Charles Luney Auditorium, St Margaret's College
Price: Free
Learn moreHeritage Afternoon Tea
When: Thursday, 28 August 2pm
Who: Rosie Belton & Dot Smith
What: Two Grande Dames of the South Island, Dot Smith and Rosie Belton talk about their lust for life over the teacups..
Venue: Heritage Hotel
Price: $35/ $33
Buy Tickets Learn moreSpecial Event: Ruth Reichl at Otahuna
When: Thursday, 28 August 7pm
Who: Ruth Reichl
What: Dinner with Ruth Reichl at Otahuna Lodge
Venue: Otahuna Lodge, Tai Tapu
Price: $250, includes return bus
Buy Tickets Learn morePechaKucha Night
When: Thursday, 28 August 8.20pm
Who: See PechaKucha-chch.org for details
What: 20 images x 20 seconds
Venue: Transitional Cathedral
Price: SOLD OUT!
Buy Tickets Learn morefriday 29th
Delicious
When: Friday, 29 August 10am
Who: Morning tea with Ruth Reichl and Nicky Pellegrino
What: Two food loving writers, Ruth Reichl and Nicky Pellegrino discuss their latest novels over the teacups.
Venue: Rydges Savoy West
Price: SOLD OUT
Buy Tickets Learn morePeople Power
When: Friday, 29 August 10am
Who: Maire Leadbeater
What: Maire Leadbeater talks with Nicky Hager about the history of the nuclear free movement in New Zealand.
Venue: Rydges Savoy 2
Price: $18/ $16
Buy Tickets Learn moreThe Wandering Mind
When: Friday, 29 August 11.30am
Who: Michael Corballis
What: Michael Corballis on his new book about what your brain does when you’re not looking. Chaired by Ken Strongman.
Venue: Rydges Savoy 2
Price: $18/ $16
Buy Tickets Learn moreHappy Birthday, Janet
When: Friday, 29 August 12pm
Who: Tusiata Avia, Owen Marshall, Bernadette Hall, Pamela Gordon
What: Festival writers celebrate Janet Frame’s 90th birthday with favourite readings and musings.
Venue: Rydges Savoy West
Price: Free
Learn moreClassical Notes
When: Friday, 29 August 1pm
Who: Davinia Caddy
What: Davinia Caddy on how to hear classical music.
Venue: Rydges Savoy West
Price: $18/ $16
Buy Tickets Learn moreIsland Lives
When: Friday, 29 August 1pm
Who: Tina Makereti, Charlotte Randall
What: Tina Makereti and Charlotte Randall in conversation with Morrin Rout about their new novels.
Venue: Rydges Savoy 2
Price: $18/ $16
Buy Tickets Learn moreReading Favourites
When: Friday, 29 August 2.30pm
Who: Kate de Goldi, Sarah Laing, Carl Nixon
What: Kate de Goldi, Sarah Laing, and Carl Nixon talk about their favourite New Zealand books with Guy Somerset.
Venue: Rydges Savoy 2
Price: Free
Learn moreAunty and the Star People: Documenting Lives
When: Friday, 29 August 2.30pm
Who: Gerard Smyth, Jean Watson
What: Gerard Smyth shows scenes from his new documentary and talks with Jean Watson about her extraordinary life as literary heroine and saint.
Venue: Rydges Savoy West
Price: $18/ $16
Buy Tickets Learn moreTipping the Scales: Inequality and child poverty in New Zealand
When: Friday, 29 August 4pm
Who: Max Rashbrooke, Bronwyn Hayward, Wallace Chapman
What: Max Rashbrooke and Bronwyn Hayward join Wallace Chapman to discuss inequality and child poverty in New Zealand.
Venue: Rydges Savoy West
Price: $18/ $16
Buy Tickets Learn moreA Novel Relationship
When: Friday, 29 August 4pm
Who: Owen Marshall, Laurence Fearnley, Anna Rogers
What: Owen Marshall and Laurence Fearnley discuss their new novels, and their experience working with editor Anna Rogers, with Chris Moore.
Venue: Rydges Savoy 2
Price: $18/ $16
Buy Tickets Learn moreForeign Correspondence
When: Friday, 29 August 5.30pm
Who: Luke Harding
What: Guardian journalist Luke Harding talks about his new book 'The Snowden Files' and more with Toby Manhire.
Venue: Rydges Savoy West
Price: SOLD OUT
Buy Tickets Learn morePoetry Launch
When: Friday, 29 August 6pm
Who: Kerrin P. Sharpe, Hinemoana Baker, Essential New Zealand Poems
What: Book Launch
Venue: Rydges Savoy East
Price: Free
Learn moreThe Stars Are Out Tonight
When: Friday, 29 August 7.30pm
Who: Eleanor Catton, Meg Wolitzer, NoViolet Bulawayo, Anis Mojgani, Diane Setterfield, Damon Young, Kristin Hersh. Hosted by John Campbell
What: Seven of the festival’s international stars speak, read, sing and perform on the topic of brightness.
Venue: Transitional Cathedral
Price: SOLD OUT
Buy Tickets Learn moreStorm Warning – World Premiere
When: Friday, 29 August 7.30pm
Who: Alex van den Broek, Riemke Ensing
What: Alex van der Broek puts Riemke Ensing’s poems about Colin McCahon to music.
Venue: Linwood Community Arts Centre
Price: $18/ $16
Buy Tickets Learn moreMusic: Dave Graney & Aldous Harding
When: Friday, 29 August 9pm
Who: Dave Graney & support Aldous Harding
What: Catch these WORD Christchurch guests live in concert.
Venue: The Darkroom
Price: Free
Learn moresaturday 30th
Secrets, Spies and Free Speech
When: Saturday, 30 August 9.30am
Who: Luke Harding, Nicky Hager, Richard King
What: A panel discussion on freedom of speech, spying and secrecy, chaired by Joanna Norris.
Venue: Rydges Savoy West
Price: $18/ $16
Buy Tickets Learn moreRock & Roll Lives
When: Saturday, 30 August 9.30am
Who: Kristin Hersh, Dave Graney
What: Kristin Hersh and Dave Graney on writing music memoirs.
Venue: Rydges Savoy 2
Price: $18/ $16
Buy Tickets Learn moreJackie French: Australian Children’s Laureate
When: Saturday, 30 August 10am
Who: Jackie French
What: Jackie French discusses writing history for a young audience and literacy activism with Kate de Goldi.
Venue: Rydges Savoy East
Price: $18/ $16, Under 16 Free
Buy Tickets Learn moreSpecial Event: Philosophy in the Gardens
When: Saturday, 30 August 10am
Who: Damon Young
What: Damon Young on gardens and great thinkers who have been moved by them.
Venue: Botanic Gardens Visitors Centre
Price: $18/ $16
Buy Tickets Learn moreLessons From Adversity: Life in New Orleans and Detroit
When: Saturday, 30 August 11am
Who: Reed Kroloff
What: American architecture commentator Reed Kroloff on rebuilding cities after disaster.
Venue: Rydges Savoy West
Price: $18/ $16
Buy Tickets Learn moreExciting Tales and All Right? Book Launch
When: Saturday, 30 August 11.30am
Who: Desna Wallace, James Norcliffe, Melinda Szymanik
What: Free storytelling for 8-12 year olds.
Venue: Rydges Savoy East
Price: Free
Learn moreRead it Again! Picture Book Readings
When: Saturday, 30 August 1pm
Who: Damon Young, Kristin Hersh, Gavin Bishop, Melinda Szymanik, Charisma Rangipunga
What: Free session for young children with picture book authors.
Venue: Rydges Clarendon
Price: Free
Learn moreCreating Worlds: Young Adult Readings
When: Saturday, 30 August 1pm
Who: Elizabeth Knox, Laini Taylor, Karen Healey, Tania Roxborogh, Meg Wolitzer
What: Free readings by young adult authors, for everyone.
Venue: Rydges Savoy East
Price: Free
Learn moreOn the Edge: Short Fiction
When: Saturday, 30 August 11am
Who: Breton Dukes, Nic Low
What: Breton Dukes and Nic Lowe on contemporary, edgy short stories. Chaired by Julie Hill.
Venue: Rydges Savoy 2
Price: $18/ $16
Buy Tickets Learn moreTough Stuff
When: Saturday, 30 August 12.30pm
Who: Gaylene Preston, Rebecca Macfie, Lloyd Jones
What: Three writers have all been moved to tell stories about difficult subjects. How do they do it? Chaired by Finlay Macdonald.
Venue: Rydges Savoy West
Price: $18/ $16
Buy Tickets Learn moreThe Best Possible Taste
When: Saturday, 30 August 12.30pm
Who: Ruth Reichl
What: Ruth Reichl discusses her life and work with Lauraine Jacobs.
Venue: Transitional Cathedral
Price: $25/ $23
Buy Tickets Learn moreWe Need New Names
When: Saturday, 30 August 2pm
Who: NoViolet Bulawayo
What: Zimbabwe-born Man Booker-shortlisted author NoViolet Bulawayo talks about her novel with Lynn Freeman.
Venue: Rydges Savoy West
Price: SOLD OUT
Buy Tickets Learn moreJourney to Hicksville
When: Saturday, 30 August 2pm
Who: Dylan Horrocks
What: Dylan Horrocks discusses his work in the context of the often underground world of the New Zealand comics scene with Jonathan King.
Venue: Rydges Savoy 2
Price: $18/ $16
Buy Tickets Learn moreThe Truth About Writing KidLit
When: Saturday, 30 August 2.30pm
Who: Gavin Bishop, Melinda Szymanik, Tania Roxborogh
What: Three New Zealand kidlit writers talk about what it’s really like to write and publish books for children.
Venue: Rydges Savoy East
Price: $18/ $16, Under 16 Free
Buy Tickets Learn moreHagley Readings
When: Saturday, 30 August 2.30pm
Who: Students from the Hagley Writers' Institute
What: Readings from Hagley Writers' Institute students
Venue: Rydges Clarendon
Price: Free
Learn moreHow We Remember: Recalling and retelling the First World War
When: Saturday, 30 August 3.30pm
Who: Harry Ricketts, Paul Diamond, Anna Rogers
What: Harry Ricketts, Paul Diamond and Anna Rogers discuss World War 1 from new and sometimes personal angles.
Venue: Rydges Savoy 2
Price: $18/ $16
Buy Tickets Learn moreThe Storyteller
When: Saturday, 30 August 3.30pm
Who: Diane Setterfield
What: The author of 'The Thirteenth Tale' and 'Bellman and Black' in conversation with Nicky Pellegrino.
Venue: Rydges Savoy West
Price: $18/ $16
Buy Tickets Learn moreThe Changeover: 30 Years On
When: Saturday, 30 August 4pm
Who: Stuart McKenzie, Elizabeth Knox, Karen Healey
What: A panel discussion on Margaret Mahy's seminal young adult novel 'The Changeover' chaired by Bill Nagelkerke.
Venue: Rydges Savoy East
Price: $18/ $16, Under 16 Free
Buy Tickets Learn moreThe Secret Diary of The Civilian
When: Saturday, 30 August 5pm
Who: Ben Uffindell, Steve Braunias
What: Two of New Zealand’s sharpest satirical minds meet to discuss The Civilian website and political party.
Venue: Rydges Savoy West
Price: $18/ $16
Buy Tickets Learn moreThe Luminary
When: Saturday, 30 August 5pm
Who: Eleanor Catton
What: The extraordinary and talented Man Booker winner, Eleanor Catton, in conversation with Kate de Goldi.
Venue: Transitional Cathedral
Price: $25/ $23
Buy Tickets Learn moreTakahe @ the Festival
When: Saturday, 30 August 6.15pm
Who: Takahe
What: Celebrate 25 years of the literary journal.
Venue: Rydges Savoy East
Price: Koha
Learn moreFiercely Hopeful: Anis Mojgani
When: Saturday, 30 August 6.30pm
Who: Anis Mojgani
What: Be mesmerized by two time US Poetry Slam champ Anis Mojgani.
Venue: Rydges Savoy West
Price: $18/ $16
Buy Tickets Learn moreKristin Hersh: Words + Music
When: Saturday, 30 August 8pm sharp. Doors open 7.30pm.
Who: Kristin Hersh
What: American indie music legend Kristin Hersh (Throwing Muses) performs her spoken word and music show exclusively to Christchurch audiences.
Venue: Transitional Cathedral
Price: $40/ Door Sales $45
Buy Tickets Learn moreThe Great New Zealand Crime Debate & Ngaio Marsh Award
When: Saturday, 30 August 8pm
Who: Lianne Dalziel, Steve Braunias, Martin van Beynen, Marcus Elliott, Meg Wolitzer, MC Joe Bennett
What: Join Joe Bennet as he chairs a raucous night of argument and repartee as debaters argue the moot ‘crime doesn’t pay’.
Venue: Rydges Savoy West
Price: $25/ $23
Buy Tickets Learn moreThe Catalyst Roadshow: My Republic
When: Saturday, 30 August 9pm
Who: Ben Brown, Andy Coyle, Doc Drumheller, Grace Taylor, Kimberley Holmes, Ciaran Fox
What: Music & Poetry
Venue: The Darkroom
Price: Free
Learn moresunday 31st
Brunch with Simon Gault
When: Sunday, 31 August 9.30am
Who: Simon Gault
What: Simon Gault talks about his new book 'Modern Classics' over a light brunch, with Kate Fraser.
Venue: Rydges Savoy West
Price: $50/ $48
Buy Tickets Learn moreMargaret Mahy Memorial Lecture
When: Sunday, 31 August 10am
Who: Elizabeth Knox
What: We honour a much-missed local children’s writer by inviting great writers of imagination to deliver a biennial lecture.
Venue: Rydges Savoy East
Price: $18/ $16
Buy Tickets Learn moreMeg Wolitzer: Fiction Writing Workshop
When: Sunday, 31 August 10am
Who: Meg Wolitzer
What: A workshop for fiction writers: 'Getting started and keeping going.'
Venue: Rydges Clarendon
Price: SOLD OUT
Buy Tickets Learn moreThe Novel and the Theremin
When: Sunday, 31 August 10am
Who: Tracy Farr, John Chrisstoffels
What: Tracy Farr talks about her novel 'The Life and Loves of Lena Gaunt', while John Chrisstoffels mesmerises with a demonstration of the theremin.
Venue: The Physics Room
Price: $12/ $10
Buy Tickets Learn moreThe Politics of Indignation
When: Sunday, 31 August 11.30am
Who: Richard King
What: Australian literary critic and journalist Richard King discusses his book 'On Offence', outrage, freedom of speech and social etiquette with Finlay Macdonald.
Venue: Rydges Savoy West
Price: $18/ $16
Buy Tickets Learn moreLyrical Writing
When: Sunday, 31 August 11.30am
Who: Kristin Hersh, Aldous Harding
What: Kristin Hersh and local songwriter Aldous Harding to discuss songwriting with Rachel Morton.
Venue: The Physics Room
Price: $12/ $10
Buy Tickets Learn moreKorero Purakau: Ngai Tahu Storytelling
When: Sunday, 31 August 11.30am
Who: Ta Tipene O'Regan, Tahu Potiki, Paulette Tamati-Elliffe
What: Storytelling with Sir Tipene O’Regan, Tahu Potiki, chaired by Paulette Tamati-Elliffe.
Venue: Rydges Savoy East
Price: Free
Learn moreThe Indies: Independent Publishing
When: Sunday, 31 August 1pm
Who: Murdoch Stephens, Brannavan Gnanalingam, Thomasin Sleigh
What: A panel featuring the publisher of Lawrence & Gibson and two of his authors, chaired by Guy Somerset.
Venue: The Physics Room
Price: $12/ $10
Buy Tickets Learn moreSupernaturally
When: Sunday, 31 August 1pm
Who: Laini Taylor, Elizabeth Knox
What: Laini Taylor and Elizabeth Knox talk fantasy, world-building and writing for young adults with Helen Lowe.
Venue: Rydges Savoy 2
Price: $18/ $16
Buy Tickets Learn moreBody & Mind
When: Sunday, 31 August 1pm
Who: Damon Young
What: Australian philosopher Damon Young talks about his books 'How to Think About Exercise' and 'Distraction' with Marcus Elliott.
Venue: Rydges Savoy West
Price: $18/ $16
Buy Tickets Learn moreDark & Chilling
When: Sunday, 31 August 1pm
Who: Yrsa Sigurdardottir, Liam McIlvanney
What: Crime writers Yrsa Sigurdardottir and Liam McIlvanney in conversation with Craig Sisterson.
Venue: Rydges Savoy East
Price: $18/ $16
Buy Tickets Learn morePoetry for Lunch
When: Sunday, 31 August 1pm
Who: Kerrin P. Sharpe, Bernadette Hall, Alice Andersen, Doc Drumheller, Riemke Ensing, Juliet McLachlan
What: Enjoy a spot of poetry in the lunch hour.
Venue: Rydges Clarendon
Price: Free
Learn moreThe Interesting
When: Sunday, 31 August 2.30pm
Who: Meg Wolitzer
What: New York author Meg Wolitzer discusses her latest novel 'The Interestings' with Kate de Goldi.
Venue: Rydges Savoy West
Price: $18/ $16
Buy Tickets Learn moreThe Intimacy of Words
When: Sunday, 31 August 2.30pm
Who: Sarah Amazinnia, Andy Coyle
What: An intimate poetry show about love performed by two Lyttelton poets.
Venue: The Physics Room
Price: $12/ $10
Buy Tickets Learn moreRemembering ANZAC
When: Sunday, 31 August 2.30pm
Who: Laurence Aberhart, Jock Phillips
What: Photographer Laurence Aberhart and historian Jock Phillips discuss the country’s war memorials, and the stories behind them, with Jenny Harper.
Venue: Rydges Savoy 2
Price: $18/ $16
Buy Tickets Learn moreTe Karanga Me Te Wero: Contemporary Maori Writing in Aotearoa
When: Sunday, 31 August 2.30pm
Who: Hinemoana Baker, Tina Makereti, Brian Morris
What: A panel discussion on the state of Maori literature today - where has it come from, where it is going? Chaired by Paul Diamond.
Venue: Rydges Savoy East
Price: $18/ $16
Buy Tickets Learn moreCapes & Tights: Superhero Comics
When: Sunday, 31 August 4pm
Who: Damon Young, Jonathan King, Karen Healey, Dylan Horrocks
What: A sure to be lively panel discussion about superhero comics, chaired by Dylan Horrocks.
Venue: The Physics Room
Price: $12/ $10
Buy Tickets Learn moreRebuilding Christchurch: Red Zones, Green Frames and Blueprints
When: Sunday, 31 August 4pm
Who: Raf Manji, Rebecca Macfie, Dr Suzanne Vallance, Natalie Jones, Barnaby Bennett
What: A panel discussion on responses to the city blueprint: where to from here?
Venue: Rydges Savoy West
Price: $18/ $16
Buy Tickets Learn moreBeyond the Veil: Historical Ghost Stories
When: Sunday, 31 August 4pm
Who: Diane Setterfield, Rosetta Allan, Coral Atkinson
What: The delicious elements of the historical and the spooky come together in three novels. Chaired by Liam McIlvanney.
Venue: Rydges Savoy 2
Price: $18/ $16
Buy Tickets Learn morePoetry & More
When: Sunday, 31 August 4pm
Who: Hinemoana Baker, John Pule
What: Two great poets read their work and discuss their craft with Jeffrey Paparoa Holman.
Venue: Rydges Savoy East
Price: $18/ $16
Buy Tickets Learn moreSurvivor Poetry
When: Sunday, 31 August 6pm
Who: Hosted by Ciaran Fox, with judges Doc Drumheller, Fiona Farrell and Ben Brown.
What: A poetry slam with a difference to end the weekend with a bang.
Venue: Rydges Savoy West
Price: $12/ $10
Buy Tickets Learn moreBook Launch: Once in a Lifetime
When: Sunday, 31 August 6pm
Who: Once in a Lifetime: City-building after Disaster in Christchurch
What: Book Launch
Venue: The Physics Room
Price: Free
Learn moreOther
Pear Tree Press
When: 26 August - 6 October
Who: Pear Tree Press
What: Beautifully crafted and designed books and broadsheets.
Venue: Central Library Peterborough
Price: Free
Learn moreArtbox
When: Throughout the Festival
Who: CPIT Art & Design students
What: Typographical design projects on display in ArtBox
Venue: Corner of Madras & St Asaph Streets
Price: Free
Learn moreCommunity Read: Christchurch City Libraries
When: August
Who: Christchurch's reading community
What: Read, share and discuss 'The 10pm Question' by Kate de Goldi.
Venue: South Library
Price: Free
Learn more
Rising Voices Youth Poetry Regional Slam
When: Wednesday, 27 August 6.30pm
Who: Hosted by Tusiata Avia, with judges Grace Taylor and Alice Anderson. Presented by Niu Navigations
What: Poetry Slam Finals
Venue: Te Puna Wanaka Marae, CPIT, Coventry Street
Price: Free
Learn moreShigeru Ban: Cardboard Cathedral
When: Wednesday, 27 August 7.30pm
Who: Shigeru Ban & Dr Andrew Barrie
What: The launch of the definitive book on Christchurch’s Transitional Cathedral, with author Andrew Barrie in conversation with architect Shigeru Ban.
Venue: Transitional Cathedral
Price: $25 / $23
Buy TicketsLearn more
Read Aloud Schools Programme
When: Thursday, 28 August Various
Who: Melinda Szymanik, Jackie French, Donovan Bixley and Anis Mojgani, Dylan Horrocks, Laini Taylor
What: Primary and secondary school students are inspired by a range of writers.
Venue: Charles Luney Auditorium, St Margaret's College
Price: Free
Learn moreHeritage Afternoon Tea
When: Thursday, 28 August 2pm
Who: Rosie Belton & Dot Smith
What: Two Grande Dames of the South Island, Dot Smith and Rosie Belton talk about their lust for life over the teacups..
Venue: Heritage Hotel
Price: $35/ $33
Buy TicketsLearn more
Special Event: Ruth Reichl at Otahuna
When: Thursday, 28 August 7pm
Who: Ruth Reichl
What: Dinner with Ruth Reichl at Otahuna Lodge
Venue: Otahuna Lodge, Tai Tapu
Price: $250, includes return bus
Buy TicketsLearn more
PechaKucha Night
When: Thursday, 28 August 8.20pm
Who: See PechaKucha-chch.org for details
What: 20 images x 20 seconds
Venue: Transitional Cathedral
Price: SOLD OUT!
Buy TicketsLearn more
Delicious
When: Friday, 29 August 10am
Who: Morning tea with Ruth Reichl and Nicky Pellegrino
What: Two food loving writers, Ruth Reichl and Nicky Pellegrino discuss their latest novels over the teacups.
Venue: Rydges Savoy West
Price: SOLD OUT
Buy TicketsLearn more
People Power
When: Friday, 29 August 10am
Who: Maire Leadbeater
What: Maire Leadbeater talks with Nicky Hager about the history of the nuclear free movement in New Zealand.
Venue: Rydges Savoy 2
Price: $18/ $16
Buy TicketsLearn more
The Wandering Mind
When: Friday, 29 August 11.30am
Who: Michael Corballis
What: Michael Corballis on his new book about what your brain does when you’re not looking. Chaired by Ken Strongman.
Venue: Rydges Savoy 2
Price: $18/ $16
Buy TicketsLearn more
Happy Birthday, Janet
When: Friday, 29 August 12pm
Who: Tusiata Avia, Owen Marshall, Bernadette Hall, Pamela Gordon
What: Festival writers celebrate Janet Frame’s 90th birthday with favourite readings and musings.
Venue: Rydges Savoy West
Price: Free
Learn moreClassical Notes
When: Friday, 29 August 1pm
Who: Davinia Caddy
What: Davinia Caddy on how to hear classical music.
Venue: Rydges Savoy West
Price: $18/ $16
Buy TicketsLearn more
Island Lives
When: Friday, 29 August 1pm
Who: Tina Makereti, Charlotte Randall
What: Tina Makereti and Charlotte Randall in conversation with Morrin Rout about their new novels.
Venue: Rydges Savoy 2
Price: $18/ $16
Buy TicketsLearn more
Reading Favourites
When: Friday, 29 August 2.30pm
Who: Kate de Goldi, Sarah Laing, Carl Nixon
What: Kate de Goldi, Sarah Laing, and Carl Nixon talk about their favourite New Zealand books with Guy Somerset.
Venue: Rydges Savoy 2
Price: Free
Learn moreAunty and the Star People: Documenting Lives
When: Friday, 29 August 2.30pm
Who: Gerard Smyth, Jean Watson
What: Gerard Smyth shows scenes from his new documentary and talks with Jean Watson about her extraordinary life as literary heroine and saint.
Venue: Rydges Savoy West
Price: $18/ $16
Buy TicketsLearn more
Tipping the Scales: Inequality and child poverty in New Zealand
When: Friday, 29 August 4pm
Who: Max Rashbrooke, Bronwyn Hayward, Wallace Chapman
What: Max Rashbrooke and Bronwyn Hayward join Wallace Chapman to discuss inequality and child poverty in New Zealand.
Venue: Rydges Savoy West
Price: $18/ $16
Buy TicketsLearn more
A Novel Relationship
When: Friday, 29 August 4pm
Who: Owen Marshall, Laurence Fearnley, Anna Rogers
What: Owen Marshall and Laurence Fearnley discuss their new novels, and their experience working with editor Anna Rogers, with Chris Moore.
Venue: Rydges Savoy 2
Price: $18/ $16
Buy TicketsLearn more
Foreign Correspondence
When: Friday, 29 August 5.30pm
Who: Luke Harding
What: Guardian journalist Luke Harding talks about his new book 'The Snowden Files' and more with Toby Manhire.
Venue: Rydges Savoy West
Price: SOLD OUT
Buy TicketsLearn more
Poetry Launch
When: Friday, 29 August 6pm
Who: Kerrin P. Sharpe, Hinemoana Baker, Essential New Zealand Poems
What: Book Launch
Venue: Rydges Savoy East
Price: Free
Learn moreThe Stars Are Out Tonight
When: Friday, 29 August 7.30pm
Who: Eleanor Catton, Meg Wolitzer, NoViolet Bulawayo, Anis Mojgani, Diane Setterfield, Damon Young, Kristin Hersh. Hosted by John Campbell
What: Seven of the festival’s international stars speak, read, sing and perform on the topic of brightness.
Venue: Transitional Cathedral
Price: SOLD OUT
Buy TicketsLearn more
Storm Warning – World Premiere
When: Friday, 29 August 7.30pm
Who: Alex van den Broek, Riemke Ensing
What: Alex van der Broek puts Riemke Ensing’s poems about Colin McCahon to music.
Venue: Linwood Community Arts Centre
Price: $18/ $16
Buy TicketsLearn more
Music: Dave Graney & Aldous Harding
When: Friday, 29 August 9pm
Who: Dave Graney & support Aldous Harding
What: Catch these WORD Christchurch guests live in concert.
Venue: The Darkroom
Price: Free
Learn moreSecrets, Spies and Free Speech
When: Saturday, 30 August 9.30am
Who: Luke Harding, Nicky Hager, Richard King
What: A panel discussion on freedom of speech, spying and secrecy, chaired by Joanna Norris.
Venue: Rydges Savoy West
Price: $18/ $16
Buy TicketsLearn more
Rock & Roll Lives
When: Saturday, 30 August 9.30am
Who: Kristin Hersh, Dave Graney
What: Kristin Hersh and Dave Graney on writing music memoirs.
Venue: Rydges Savoy 2
Price: $18/ $16
Buy TicketsLearn more
Jackie French: Australian Children’s Laureate
When: Saturday, 30 August 10am
Who: Jackie French
What: Jackie French discusses writing history for a young audience and literacy activism with Kate de Goldi.
Venue: Rydges Savoy East
Price: $18/ $16, Under 16 Free
Buy TicketsLearn more
Special Event: Philosophy in the Gardens
When: Saturday, 30 August 10am
Who: Damon Young
What: Damon Young on gardens and great thinkers who have been moved by them.
Venue: Botanic Gardens Visitors Centre
Price: $18/ $16
Buy TicketsLearn more
Lessons From Adversity: Life in New Orleans and Detroit
When: Saturday, 30 August 11am
Who: Reed Kroloff
What: American architecture commentator Reed Kroloff on rebuilding cities after disaster.
Venue: Rydges Savoy West
Price: $18/ $16
Buy TicketsLearn more
Exciting Tales and All Right? Book Launch
When: Saturday, 30 August 11.30am
Who: Desna Wallace, James Norcliffe, Melinda Szymanik
What: Free storytelling for 8-12 year olds.
Venue: Rydges Savoy East
Price: Free
Learn moreRead it Again! Picture Book Readings
When: Saturday, 30 August 1pm
Who: Damon Young, Kristin Hersh, Gavin Bishop, Melinda Szymanik, Charisma Rangipunga
What: Free session for young children with picture book authors.
Venue: Rydges Clarendon
Price: Free
Learn moreCreating Worlds: Young Adult Readings
When: Saturday, 30 August 1pm
Who: Elizabeth Knox, Laini Taylor, Karen Healey, Tania Roxborogh, Meg Wolitzer
What: Free readings by young adult authors, for everyone.
Venue: Rydges Savoy East
Price: Free
Learn moreOn the Edge: Short Fiction
When: Saturday, 30 August 11am
Who: Breton Dukes, Nic Low
What: Breton Dukes and Nic Lowe on contemporary, edgy short stories. Chaired by Julie Hill.
Venue: Rydges Savoy 2
Price: $18/ $16
Buy TicketsLearn more
Tough Stuff
When: Saturday, 30 August 12.30pm
Who: Gaylene Preston, Rebecca Macfie, Lloyd Jones
What: Three writers have all been moved to tell stories about difficult subjects. How do they do it? Chaired by Finlay Macdonald.
Venue: Rydges Savoy West
Price: $18/ $16
Buy TicketsLearn more
The Best Possible Taste
When: Saturday, 30 August 12.30pm
Who: Ruth Reichl
What: Ruth Reichl discusses her life and work with Lauraine Jacobs.
Venue: Transitional Cathedral
Price: $25/ $23
Buy TicketsLearn more
We Need New Names
When: Saturday, 30 August 2pm
Who: NoViolet Bulawayo
What: Zimbabwe-born Man Booker-shortlisted author NoViolet Bulawayo talks about her novel with Lynn Freeman.
Venue: Rydges Savoy West
Price: SOLD OUT
Buy TicketsLearn more
Journey to Hicksville
When: Saturday, 30 August 2pm
Who: Dylan Horrocks
What: Dylan Horrocks discusses his work in the context of the often underground world of the New Zealand comics scene with Jonathan King.
Venue: Rydges Savoy 2
Price: $18/ $16
Buy TicketsLearn more
The Truth About Writing KidLit
When: Saturday, 30 August 2.30pm
Who: Gavin Bishop, Melinda Szymanik, Tania Roxborogh
What: Three New Zealand kidlit writers talk about what it’s really like to write and publish books for children.
Venue: Rydges Savoy East
Price: $18/ $16, Under 16 Free
Buy TicketsLearn more
Hagley Readings
When: Saturday, 30 August 2.30pm
Who: Students from the Hagley Writers' Institute
What: Readings from Hagley Writers' Institute students
Venue: Rydges Clarendon
Price: Free
Learn moreHow We Remember: Recalling and retelling the First World War
When: Saturday, 30 August 3.30pm
Who: Harry Ricketts, Paul Diamond, Anna Rogers
What: Harry Ricketts, Paul Diamond and Anna Rogers discuss World War 1 from new and sometimes personal angles.
Venue: Rydges Savoy 2
Price: $18/ $16
Buy TicketsLearn more
The Storyteller
When: Saturday, 30 August 3.30pm
Who: Diane Setterfield
What: The author of 'The Thirteenth Tale' and 'Bellman and Black' in conversation with Nicky Pellegrino.
Venue: Rydges Savoy West
Price: $18/ $16
Buy TicketsLearn more
The Changeover: 30 Years On
When: Saturday, 30 August 4pm
Who: Stuart McKenzie, Elizabeth Knox, Karen Healey
What: A panel discussion on Margaret Mahy's seminal young adult novel 'The Changeover' chaired by Bill Nagelkerke.
Venue: Rydges Savoy East
Price: $18/ $16, Under 16 Free
Buy TicketsLearn more
The Secret Diary of The Civilian
When: Saturday, 30 August 5pm
Who: Ben Uffindell, Steve Braunias
What: Two of New Zealand’s sharpest satirical minds meet to discuss The Civilian website and political party.
Venue: Rydges Savoy West
Price: $18/ $16
Buy TicketsLearn more
The Luminary
When: Saturday, 30 August 5pm
Who: Eleanor Catton
What: The extraordinary and talented Man Booker winner, Eleanor Catton, in conversation with Kate de Goldi.
Venue: Transitional Cathedral
Price: $25/ $23
Buy TicketsLearn more
Takahe @ the Festival
When: Saturday, 30 August 6.15pm
Who: Takahe
What: Celebrate 25 years of the literary journal.
Venue: Rydges Savoy East
Price: Koha
Learn moreFiercely Hopeful: Anis Mojgani
When: Saturday, 30 August 6.30pm
Who: Anis Mojgani
What: Be mesmerized by two time US Poetry Slam champ Anis Mojgani.
Venue: Rydges Savoy West
Price: $18/ $16
Buy TicketsLearn more
Kristin Hersh: Words + Music
When: Saturday, 30 August 8pm sharp. Doors open 7.30pm.
Who: Kristin Hersh
What: American indie music legend Kristin Hersh (Throwing Muses) performs her spoken word and music show exclusively to Christchurch audiences.
Venue: Transitional Cathedral
Price: $40/ Door Sales $45
Buy TicketsLearn more
The Great New Zealand Crime Debate & Ngaio Marsh Award
When: Saturday, 30 August 8pm
Who: Lianne Dalziel, Steve Braunias, Martin van Beynen, Marcus Elliott, Meg Wolitzer, MC Joe Bennett
What: Join Joe Bennet as he chairs a raucous night of argument and repartee as debaters argue the moot ‘crime doesn’t pay’.
Venue: Rydges Savoy West
Price: $25/ $23
Buy TicketsLearn more
The Catalyst Roadshow: My Republic
When: Saturday, 30 August 9pm
Who: Ben Brown, Andy Coyle, Doc Drumheller, Grace Taylor, Kimberley Holmes, Ciaran Fox
What: Music & Poetry
Venue: The Darkroom
Price: Free
Learn moreBrunch with Simon Gault
When: Sunday, 31 August 9.30am
Who: Simon Gault
What: Simon Gault talks about his new book 'Modern Classics' over a light brunch, with Kate Fraser.
Venue: Rydges Savoy West
Price: $50/ $48
Buy TicketsLearn more
Margaret Mahy Memorial Lecture
When: Sunday, 31 August 10am
Who: Elizabeth Knox
What: We honour a much-missed local children’s writer by inviting great writers of imagination to deliver a biennial lecture.
Venue: Rydges Savoy East
Price: $18/ $16
Buy TicketsLearn more
Meg Wolitzer: Fiction Writing Workshop
When: Sunday, 31 August 10am
Who: Meg Wolitzer
What: A workshop for fiction writers: 'Getting started and keeping going.'
Venue: Rydges Clarendon
Price: SOLD OUT
Buy TicketsLearn more
The Novel and the Theremin
When: Sunday, 31 August 10am
Who: Tracy Farr, John Chrisstoffels
What: Tracy Farr talks about her novel 'The Life and Loves of Lena Gaunt', while John Chrisstoffels mesmerises with a demonstration of the theremin.
Venue: The Physics Room
Price: $12/ $10
Buy TicketsLearn more
The Politics of Indignation
When: Sunday, 31 August 11.30am
Who: Richard King
What: Australian literary critic and journalist Richard King discusses his book 'On Offence', outrage, freedom of speech and social etiquette with Finlay Macdonald.
Venue: Rydges Savoy West
Price: $18/ $16
Buy TicketsLearn more
Lyrical Writing
When: Sunday, 31 August 11.30am
Who: Kristin Hersh, Aldous Harding
What: Kristin Hersh and local songwriter Aldous Harding to discuss songwriting with Rachel Morton.
Venue: The Physics Room
Price: $12/ $10
Buy TicketsLearn more
Korero Purakau: Ngai Tahu Storytelling
When: Sunday, 31 August 11.30am
Who: Ta Tipene O'Regan, Tahu Potiki, Paulette Tamati-Elliffe
What: Storytelling with Sir Tipene O’Regan, Tahu Potiki, chaired by Paulette Tamati-Elliffe.
Venue: Rydges Savoy East
Price: Free
Learn moreThe Indies: Independent Publishing
When: Sunday, 31 August 1pm
Who: Murdoch Stephens, Brannavan Gnanalingam, Thomasin Sleigh
What: A panel featuring the publisher of Lawrence & Gibson and two of his authors, chaired by Guy Somerset.
Venue: The Physics Room
Price: $12/ $10
Buy TicketsLearn more
Supernaturally
When: Sunday, 31 August 1pm
Who: Laini Taylor, Elizabeth Knox
What: Laini Taylor and Elizabeth Knox talk fantasy, world-building and writing for young adults with Helen Lowe.
Venue: Rydges Savoy 2
Price: $18/ $16
Buy TicketsLearn more
Body & Mind
When: Sunday, 31 August 1pm
Who: Damon Young
What: Australian philosopher Damon Young talks about his books 'How to Think About Exercise' and 'Distraction' with Marcus Elliott.
Venue: Rydges Savoy West
Price: $18/ $16
Buy TicketsLearn more
Dark & Chilling
When: Sunday, 31 August 1pm
Who: Yrsa Sigurdardottir, Liam McIlvanney
What: Crime writers Yrsa Sigurdardottir and Liam McIlvanney in conversation with Craig Sisterson.
Venue: Rydges Savoy East
Price: $18/ $16
Buy TicketsLearn more
Poetry for Lunch
When: Sunday, 31 August 1pm
Who: Kerrin P. Sharpe, Bernadette Hall, Alice Andersen, Doc Drumheller, Riemke Ensing, Juliet McLachlan
What: Enjoy a spot of poetry in the lunch hour.
Venue: Rydges Clarendon
Price: Free
Learn moreThe Interesting
When: Sunday, 31 August 2.30pm
Who: Meg Wolitzer
What: New York author Meg Wolitzer discusses her latest novel 'The Interestings' with Kate de Goldi.
Venue: Rydges Savoy West
Price: $18/ $16
Buy TicketsLearn more
The Intimacy of Words
When: Sunday, 31 August 2.30pm
Who: Sarah Amazinnia, Andy Coyle
What: An intimate poetry show about love performed by two Lyttelton poets.
Venue: The Physics Room
Price: $12/ $10
Buy TicketsLearn more
Remembering ANZAC
When: Sunday, 31 August 2.30pm
Who: Laurence Aberhart, Jock Phillips
What: Photographer Laurence Aberhart and historian Jock Phillips discuss the country’s war memorials, and the stories behind them, with Jenny Harper.
Venue: Rydges Savoy 2
Price: $18/ $16
Buy TicketsLearn more
Te Karanga Me Te Wero: Contemporary Maori Writing in Aotearoa
When: Sunday, 31 August 2.30pm
Who: Hinemoana Baker, Tina Makereti, Brian Morris
What: A panel discussion on the state of Maori literature today - where has it come from, where it is going? Chaired by Paul Diamond.
Venue: Rydges Savoy East
Price: $18/ $16
Buy TicketsLearn more
Capes & Tights: Superhero Comics
When: Sunday, 31 August 4pm
Who: Damon Young, Jonathan King, Karen Healey, Dylan Horrocks
What: A sure to be lively panel discussion about superhero comics, chaired by Dylan Horrocks.
Venue: The Physics Room
Price: $12/ $10
Buy TicketsLearn more
Rebuilding Christchurch: Red Zones, Green Frames and Blueprints
When: Sunday, 31 August 4pm
Who: Raf Manji, Rebecca Macfie, Dr Suzanne Vallance, Natalie Jones, Barnaby Bennett
What: A panel discussion on responses to the city blueprint: where to from here?
Venue: Rydges Savoy West
Price: $18/ $16
Buy TicketsLearn more
Beyond the Veil: Historical Ghost Stories
When: Sunday, 31 August 4pm
Who: Diane Setterfield, Rosetta Allan, Coral Atkinson
What: The delicious elements of the historical and the spooky come together in three novels. Chaired by Liam McIlvanney.
Venue: Rydges Savoy 2
Price: $18/ $16
Buy TicketsLearn more
Poetry & More
When: Sunday, 31 August 4pm
Who: Hinemoana Baker, John Pule
What: Two great poets read their work and discuss their craft with Jeffrey Paparoa Holman.
Venue: Rydges Savoy East
Price: $18/ $16
Buy TicketsLearn more
Survivor Poetry
When: Sunday, 31 August 6pm
Who: Hosted by Ciaran Fox, with judges Doc Drumheller, Fiona Farrell and Ben Brown.
What: A poetry slam with a difference to end the weekend with a bang.
Venue: Rydges Savoy West
Price: $12/ $10
Buy TicketsLearn more
Book Launch: Once in a Lifetime
When: Sunday, 31 August 6pm
Who: Once in a Lifetime: City-building after Disaster in Christchurch
What: Book Launch
Venue: The Physics Room
Price: Free
Learn morePear Tree Press
When: 26 August - 6 October
Who: Pear Tree Press
What: Beautifully crafted and designed books and broadsheets.
Venue: Central Library Peterborough
Price: Free
Learn moreArtbox
When: Throughout the Festival
Who: CPIT Art & Design students
What: Typographical design projects on display in ArtBox
Venue: Corner of Madras & St Asaph Streets
Price: Free
Learn moreCommunity Read: Christchurch City Libraries
When: August
Who: Christchurch's reading community
What: Read, share and discuss 'The 10pm Question' by Kate de Goldi.
Venue: South Library
Price: Free
Learn more