Auckland Writers Festival

08/06/2026

“Who’s the writer that changed the way you see the world?
We teamed up with and people to tell us about the writers who inspire them, challenge them, comfort them, or simply keep them reading.
Here’s what they said.
Who’s your favourite author?

05/06/2026

“🎹 TICKET GIVEAWAY 🎹

Thanks to our friends at we are giving away a double pass to Simply Brill on Thu 25 June, 6.30pm, as part of the Auckland Live Cabaret Festival.

Simply Brill is a vibrant, funny, and deeply musical journey through New York’s legendary Brill Building. The famous hit factory where a generation of teenage songwriters helped invent pop music and shaped the soundtrack of the 1960s. Expect unforgettable songs, fascinating stories, and plenty of nostalgia.

How to enter:

👉 Follow Auckland Writers Festival.
👉 Tag your favourite swinging ’60s music aficionado in the comments

T&Cs: Entries close Thu 11 June, 11.59pm NZST. Limit of one entry per account. Open to New Zealand residents 18+ only. Prize is non-transferable, non-refundable, and not redeemable for cash. One winner will be drawn at random, contacted via Direct Message (DM), and will have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is selected. This giveaway is not sponsored, endorsed or associated with Instagram.”

05/06/2026

Sound up 🔊 Here’s a look back at the debut of Plot Twist.

It was great to see so many new faces joining us for workshops, performances, kōrero, and making activities. Thanks to everyone who came along and helped bring the first Plot Twist to life.

Here are some highlights from the day. See you next year.

02/06/2026

Maggie O’Farrell’s new book Land is released tonight in the UK. To celebrate we have posted her AWF event for you to watch.

The AWF people who have read Land - say it’s a fantastic read and they loved it. In this chat with Michelle Langstone, Maggie O’Farrell talks about the inspiration for Land. It’s OK there are no spoilers. Link in bio

02/06/2026

Maggie O’Farrell's new book Land is released tonight in the UK. To celebrate we have posted her AWF event for you to watch.

The AWF people who have read Land - say it's a fantastic read and they loved it. In this chat with Michelle Langstone, Maggie O'Farrell talks about the inspiration for Land. It's OK there are no spoilers.

Explore Look and Listen videos from Auckland Writers Festival, with recordings of author conversations, readings and festival highlights.

30/05/2026

✨ Thanks to everyone who came to . We are thrilled with our round-up reel – enjoy!

🎬 Webflicks

29/05/2026

🎬 Movie Giveaway!

We’re giving away TWO double passes to see A Private Life, with two lucky winners each receiving a double movie pass.

A frisky, feminine film noir about psychoanalysis and much more, A Private Life follows renowned psychiatrist Lilian Steiner (Jodie Foster), who is deeply troubled by the sudden death of one of her patients. Convinced it was murder, she begins her own investigation…

Tag your movie buddy for a chance to win 🍿 Competition closes 1 June, so don’t miss out.

27/05/2026

An Evening with Fran Lebowitz
Thursday 28 May, 7.30–9.00pm
Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre, Aotea Centre

Come for the candour, stay for the cynicism - and leave more entertained than you expected.

Fran Lebowitz returns with *An Evening with Fran Lebowitz* bringing her razor-sharp wit, unapologetic opinions, and unmistakable New York edge to the stage.

Best known from Martin Scorsese’s hit Netflix series *Pretend It’s a City*, Lebowitz delivers a masterclass in observation, taking aim at everything from politicians and billionaires to AI, modern life, and people who walk too slowly.

Equal parts hilarious and incisive, her commentary has made her one of the most distinctive cultural voices of the last few decades.

Presented in partnership with Fane Productions ✨

Tickets are available now via Auckland Writers Festival.

27/05/2026

✨ If you attended this year's festival, we’d love to hear about your Festival experience so we can make next year’s Festival, taking place 11–16 May 2027, even better!

Your feedback helps us report to funders, shape future programming and improve the Festival experience for everyone. Every comment counts!

Our post-Festival survey is being conducted independently by Horizon Research, so all responses remain anonymous.

To complete the survey just follow the link below and be in to win one of 20 $100 book vouchers.📚

👉 https://bit.ly/4f7tlG0

Thank you!

21/05/2026

Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales is coming to Auckland 📚

As part of Auckland Writers Festival Waituhi o Tāmaki, Wales will speak about trust, knowledge and disinformation in our “post-truth” era — a timely conversation with the person behind one of the world’s most influential information platforms.

Jimmy Wales: The Seven Rules of Trust
Monday 25 May, 7.00–8.15pm
Dorothy Winstone Centre, Auckland Girls’ Grammar School

Tickets are available now via Auckland Writers Festival. 🎟️
ticketmaster.co.nz/event/24006453077AA581