Margaret Mahy’s seminal Young Adult novel, The Changeover: a Supernatural Romance, published in 1984, predates Twilight by 20 years.

Set in Christchurch, it follows the engaging heroine Laura Chant as she tries to rescue her baby brother from the creepy Carmody Braque. She enlists the help of the sulky, alluring teen male witch Sorry Carlisle and together they overcome Braque and embark on a fiery relationship.

Join Stuart McKenzie, co-writer and producer of the forthcoming Changeover movie, and Young Adult writers Elizabeth Knox and Karen Healey, as they discuss with children’s literature specialist Bill Nagelkerke the importance of this great teen novel and its relevance 30 years on.

Please note: This session will finish at 4.50pm to give people time to get to Eleanor Catton’s session at the Transitional Cathedral at 5pm.