Kupu Māori Writers Festival

The Kupu Māori Writers Festival is a significant celebration dedicated to honouring Māori writers—past, present, and future. Launched in 2022, this vibrant literary festival has quickly become a vital platform for indigenous voices, showcasing the extraordinary talents and stories of Māori writers from across Aotearoa. As we enter our third year in 2024, we invite you to join us in this transformative journey through literature.

Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Rotorua, the Kupu Festival will take place from October 16th to 19th at Te Papaiouru Marae, Ohinemutu, and Te Pakira Marae, Te Whakarewarewa. This year, nearly 40 esteemed Māori writers, poets, and thinkers will come together to share their diverse perspectives through a rich array of workshops, readings, and engaging discussions. Each session is designed to inspire creativity, foster connection, and celebrate the power of storytelling as a means of preserving our cultural heritage and shaping our future.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the writers who have participated in previous festivals, whose contributions have laid the foundation for this vibrant celebration. Our dedicated team has been hard at work, ensuring that Kupu Festival is a welcoming and enriching space for all attendees. We believe in the importance of amplifying our literary voices and nurturing the next generation of Māori storytellers. Join us as we honour the legacy of our ancestors, engage with contemporary narratives, and pave the way for future Māori writers to shine.

Together, we will create a vibrant space where stories are celebrated, connections are forged, and the beauty of Māori literature is brought to life.