Welcome to Lit. Whanganui Booklovers Festival 2025!
Now in its 11th edition, our biennial celebration of books, ideas and conversation continues the proud tradition of bringing thought-provoking and inspiring authors to our book-loving community.
We’re thrilled to be hosting this year’s Festival across a variety of venues on the beautiful Pukenamu precinct – and we’re sure you’ll find something to delight, challenge, or surprise you.
Here’s to a memorable Festival! Let’s get Lit!
View the full programme as a PDF.
Gala Opening – all welcome
Friday 19 September, 5.30pm–7pm
Whanganui War Memorial Centre – Pioneer Room
Join us as we open our 11th biennial Booklovers Festival with a blessing, then enjoy a relaxed mix and mingle with fellow booklovers and invited authors, accompanied by drinks and nibbles. Whanganui’s Mayor, Andrew Tripe, will officially open the festival, welcoming everyone to this vibrant gathering.
Admission: Free – no bookings required
Dame Anne Salmond
Opening kōrero
Friday 19 September, 7.30pm–8.30pm
Whanganui War Memorial Centre – Concert Chamber
We are honoured to welcome Dame Anne Salmond as our opening night speaker, in conversation with Dr Bronwyn Labrum, Director of the Whanganui Regional Museum.
KidLit: Wildlife explorers
Create your own wildlife encyclopaedia
Saturday 20 September, 10am and 1.30pm
Whanganui Regional Museum
Join artist/educator Waiora Marama to create your own wildlife notebook and explore the fascinating bird and animal collections at the Museum.
The Alphabet Project
Exhibition at Lockett
Opening 4pm on 6 September at Lockett Gallery
With 26 letters of the alphabet being the starting point for English literature, Lockett Gallery has gathered together 26 artists to have a representational exhibition. All work will be for sale, with a percentage of the profit going to Lit Whanganui Booklovers Festival.
Lockett Gallery: Mon–Fri 10am–4pm; Sat 10am–3pm; Sun closed | 65a Guyton Street | lockettgallery.co.nz
Louise Wallace & Airini Beautrais
In conversation
Saturday 20 September, 10am–11am
Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery
Louise Wallace, author of the novel Ash and four acclaimed poetry collections, will be in conversation with Airini Beautrais, a Whanganui-based writer of poetry, fiction, and nonfiction, and the author of six books.
Ngāhuia te Awekōtuku
In conversation with Carla Donson
Saturday 20 September, 11.30am–12.30pm
Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery
Ngāhuia te Awekōtuku MNZM (Te Arawa, Tūhoe, Ngāpuhi, Waikato) won General Non-Fiction category at the Ockhams this year for her acclaimed memoir Hine Toa: A story of bravery. She will chat with Whanganui’s Carla Donson.
Lance Burdett
Working through challenging times
Saturday 20 September, 1.30pm–2.30pm
Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery
Lance Burdett is a leading authority on crisis communication, resilience, and mental wellbeing, and is the author of three bestselling books: Behind the Tape, Dark Side of the Brain, and Anxiety is a Worry. Lance will be talking about managing stress and navigating life’s challenges.
Suzanne Lynch
In conversation with Karyn Hay
Saturday 20 September, 4pm–5pm
The Whanganui Musicians’ Club
Suzanne Lynch MNZM is one of New Zealand’s most respected vocalists and music mentors – she rose to fame in the 1960s as one half of The Chicks. Ahead of her upcoming memoir Yesterday When I Was Young she speaks with Karyn Hay ONZM, broadcaster and author of three novels.
Dinner with Small Talks
Limited tickets – book now
Saturday 20 September, 6pm
The Whanganui Musicians’ Club
Join us for a relaxed buffet-style dinner where you can meet and mingle with our Festival authors and guests, and enjoy a series of intriguing five-minute Small Talks held between courses.
Gavin Bishop
In conversation with Waiora Marama
Sunday 21 September, 10am–11am
Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery
Gavin Bishop ONZM is one of New Zealand’s most celebrated children’s authors and illustrators. He has won Best New Zealand Children’s Book of the Year five times, Best Illustrated Children’s Book ten times, and Best Non-Fiction Children’s Book three times. Gavin will chat with Waiora Marama, an artist who loves exploring stories – from wildlife and history to the places we call home.
Monty Soutar
The Kāwai Series: bringing history to life through fiction
Sunday 21 September, 11.30am–12.30pm
Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery
In 2021, Dr Monty Soutar – teacher, historian, former soldier, and researcher – received the Michael King Writer’s Fellowship to write the Kāwai series. The first two novels, For Such a Time as This and Tree of Nourishment, both topped the NZ Fiction bestsellers list. Dr Soutar will provide insights into the writing of Kāwai and reflect on how fiction can play a role in connecting people to history.
Damien Wilkins
In conversation with Kiran Dass
Sunday 21 September, 1.30pm–2.30pm
Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery
Damien Wilkins, currently the Director of the International Institute of Modern Letters (IIML) at Te Herenga Waka, won the Jann Medlicott Acorn Prize for Fiction at the 2025 Ockham New Zealand Book Awards for his novel Delirious. Damien will appear in conversation with Kiran Dass – writer, critic, and Programme Director for WORD Christchurch.
Airana Ngarewa
The Last Living Cannibal
Sunday 21 September, 3pm–4pm
Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery
Airana Ngarewa (Ngāti Ruanui, Ngā Rauru, Ngāruahine) is a writer and educator from Pātea, Taranaki. His debut novel, The Bone Tree, held the #1 spot on the NZ Fiction bestsellers list for twelve weeks. Airana will speak about his forthcoming novel The Last Living Cannibal – due out in September 2025 – and the history of 1940s Taranaki that inspired it.
