Readers and Writers Akaroa unveil 2026 Festival lineup

Notable New Zealand authors Damien Wilkins, Liam McIllvannay, Tina Makereti, Laurence Fearnley, Steve Braunias, Naomi Arnold and others will take the stage at the RAWA festival for 2026.

RAWA is a biennial festival that is hosted by a small group of volunteers who believe in the power of literature to influence lives in joyful and meaningful ways. Their aim is to bring together a community of readers and writers in an intimate regional festival where people can engage with, and learn from, the very best authors in Aotearoa.

The spectacular programme has been designed especially for readers and writers. A two-day registration provides the full RAWA experience, an enriching opportunity to meet all the wonderful speakers. Come and spend the weekend and enjoy the Open Mic Poetry Night on the Friday night at the Madeira Hotel. Open Mic is a free community event. Also on offer are one-day registrations for the Saturday or Sunday programme.

By popular demand, Michael Bennett is returning to RAWA! His exciting workshop is on Friday from 10am-5pm. Please note, Michael’s workshop requires separate registration and payment.

See https://www.rawafestival.com/2026-programme for more information and the full programme.