Writers Festival, Schools Programme Hōtaka Kura - was held at the Aotea Centre on May 11-13

Auckland Writers Festival Waituhi o Tāmaki was delighted to deliver the 18th annual Schools Programme | Hōtaka Kura in May 2026 with the generous support of the Freemasons Foundation.

Designed to inspire and stimulate young readers and writers, the Schools Programme welcomed more than 6,000 Year 5–13 students across three exciting days of sessions and workshops at the Aotea Centre.

Students had the opportunity to connect with the writers, poets, illustrators and thinkers behind books they know and love, while also discovering new voices from across Aotearoa New Zealand and around the world. Tailored for primary, intermediate and secondary students, this year’s programme featured dynamic conversations, performances and workshops that celebrated the power of story, imagination and ideas.

"We passionately believe books and ideas should be accessible to all. Thanks to the continued support of the Freemasons Foundation, the Festival was able to keep ticket prices affordable, provide travel subsidies through the Schools Transport Fund and support initiatives that help bring literature and creativity to tamariki and rangatahi throughout Aotearoa". Auckland Writers Festival