Kia ora Booklovers! May means it’s Featherston Booktown Karukatea Festival time!
The Young Readers Programme will take 22 writers/storytellers to over 1,000 students in schools across the Wairarapa from May 8 – 10. Then the Karukatea Festival graces the town from May 10 – 12, which promises an enchanting blend of literature, culture, and community spirit.
One of the festival’s most beloved initiatives, the Book Voucher scheme, makes a triumphant return this year. Every primary student in the South Wairarapa region receives a $20 book voucher, thanks to the generous contributions of Friends of Featherston Booktown. Last year, eager young readers explored the Booksellers Hall and local bookshops, excitedly searching for a new book to take home with them.
Diversity thrives at the heart of our festival, with a wide range of events and personalities bound to appeal. Sporting enthusiasts won’t want to miss former All-Black Carl Hayman’s talk on his book ‘Head On,’ shedding light on his journey through rugby and the challenges of early onset dementia. Renowned former squash champion and Human Rights Commissioner Dame Susan Devoy is the guest speaker for the famous Fish’n’Chip Supper.
Music aficionados are in for a treat as local legend Barry Saunders and musical collaborator Delaney Davidson take centre stage in ‘Word Gets Around.” Meanwhile, musician and TV personality Moana Maniapoto is here for a discussion on Te Tiriti O Waitangi and a conversation with Linda Clark in “From Moana To Moana: A Gala Night In The Anzac Hall.” The Gala also shines a spotlight on Pasifika Power, showcasing the talents of local Pasifika rangatahi through spoken word poetry and dance, crafted during a three-day Young Readers Programme workshop. This will be followed by more poetry readings and a panel talanoa about the life and dreams of the South Auckland Poets’ Collective.
Some of New Zealand’s most popular female authors will join us in Featherston, including Pip Adam, Lee Murray, Kate Mahony, Catherine Roberston and Joy Cowley. And for the beer lovers, Pioneers of Hop and Grain will explore New Zealand’s long and storied love affair with beer.
Featherston Booktown Karukatea Festival is a place where stories challenge, inspire and comfort us and where we celebrate books and ideas, especially the artefact and craft of the book. We extend our warm thanks to our funders, volunteers, schools and the community. See you there!
