NEWS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
John Marsden, Eleanor Catton Headline Auckland Writers Festival Schools’ Programme
Australian ‘national treasure’ John Marsden, multiple award-winning German fantasy author Cornelia Funke, our very own
Booker Prize winning author Eleanor Catton and globally lauded writer, Lloyd Jones are just a few among the global and
local line-up of writers treating students to events at this year’s Auckland Writers Festival Schools’ Programme.
Tickets – which are only open for purchase via schools - are now available. The events - which cater for students from
Year 5 to Year 13 - have all sold out in previous years, so schools are encouraged to book early.
Auckland Writers Festival director, Anne O’Brien says the schools’ programme demonstrates an unswerving commitment to
inspiring young writers and readers.
“The Festival is delighted to offer two exciting days of workshops, entertainment and talks by some of the world’s
best-known children’s writers. Encouraging a life-long love of reading by introducing writers to young readers is an
important part of the Festival’s philosophy.”
Eleanor Catton will talk about her path from a Canterbury childhood to the world’s stage as the youngest person ever to win the Booker
Prize. She will discuss writing, ideas and the art of telling a story that readers don’t want to put down.
Best-selling and award-winning author, teacher, school principal and Australian national treasure John Marsden is one of the most beloved young adult writers of our time. Best known for his Tomorrow series, John will talk about language, writing and communication.
Other events include writing workshops by critically acclaimed Kiwi writers Elizabeth Knox and Ted Dawe; performances by
British comic writer/illustrator duo The Etherington Brothers, soloist extraordinaire Trygve Wakenshaw (aka Squidboy)
and a songwriting session with The X Factor finalist, Benny Tipene.
For a full schools’ programme please go to www.writersfestival.co.nz. To make enquiries, email
schools@writersfestival.co.nz and for bookings go togroups@ticketmaster.co.nz or call ticketmaster on 09 970 9745.
Day attendance (entry to four sessions) is just $12 per student and must be booked through schools. Schools needing
financial transport assistance can apply to the Festival Schools Transport Fund. All events take place at the Aotea
Centre. Bookings close 10 April.
The Auckland Writers Festival Charitable Trust warmly thanks our Grant Partners: ASB Community Trust, Creative New
Zealand; Sponsors: Barfoot and Thompson and South Pacific Pictures; Funding Partners Australian Government, Australian
Council for the Arts, Goethe Institut and our Donor Partners Auckland University Press (AUP), HarperCollins publishers
(New Zealand) and Warwick.
ENDS
Dates to remember:
WED 12 MARCH Schools Transport Fund Application Deadline.
TUES 18 MARCH Schools Transport Fund applicants notified of outcome.
THURS 10 APRIL Bookings Close.
THURS 17 APRIL Final date for payment.
WED 14- THURS 15 MAY Auckland Writers Festival Schools Programme
FRIDAY 13 JUNE Deadline to uplift Transport Fund Allocation