The programme is live and the fires are blazing — the Dunedin Writers & Readers Festival 2025 explores Ahi Kā in Ōtepoti Dunedin this October 17-19th, celebrating the strength of homegrown stories and the writers who keep our creative hearth alight.

Across three days, Ōtepoti Dunedin will hum with conversation, literature and ideas, as established authors stand shoulder to shoulder with exciting new voices from across Aotearoa. Ahi Kā — “keeping the home fires burning” — celebrates who we are, where we are, and the power of stories to nourish and connect communities.

“This year’s theme speaks to solidarity and belonging,” says Festival Co-Director Jen Stokes. “It’s about championing our literary community, honouring its roots, and inviting in some incredible authors and guests from all around Aotearoa.”

Dedicated kaupapa Māori curation will bring a line-up of highly regarded Māori writers and creatives to the festival, while a focus on thoughtful curation and quality chairing will inspire, delight and move audiences and guests alike.

“Ahi Kā is an invitation to consider the fuel we need for our fires and who tends them. Our festival celebrates a very positive Māori publishing scene in Aotearoa currently,” says festival co-director and kaupapa Māori curator, Kitty Brown.

The Tuwhare poetry series returns for its second year, with four beautifully crafted sessions that draw inspiration from one of Hone Tuwhare’s quiet, resonant lines, “it won’t be a lonely walk”.

“The Tuwhare Trust is delighted to see Hone’s words sparking new fires in Ōtepoti. His poetry lives in the whenua, the people, and the quiet strength of connection. This festival honours that wairua — reminding us that stories, like ahi kā, keep communities vital and alive,” says Hone Tuwhare Trust Chair, Jeanette Wikaira.

In a new initiative, the festival will spark a light in the next generation of readers and writers with Kaituna Kids — a jam-packed day for tamariki and rakatahi at the brand new Te Whata o Kaituna, South Dunedin Community Library with guest authors, recording studio sessions, facepainting, crafts and more.

The festival is also partnering with a wide range of exhibitions and events happening over the weekend and into the months following, giving locals and visitors the opportunity to make the most of New Zealand’s only UNESCO City of Literature.

“We’re delighted to be announcing this programme and seeing the excitement build for the festival in a few weeks. We think we’ve got something special here, and we can’t wait to share it,” says Festival Board Co-Chair Mary McLaughlin.

Programme highlights

• Celebrated Aotearoa poets, writers & artists including Catherine Chidgey, Tāme Iti, Peta Mathias, Liam McIlvanney, Ben Stenbeck, and Tina Makereti appearing live in conversation.

• A host of local legends (some returning to their home ground) — Grant Robertson, Emma Neale, Duncan Sarkies, David Eggleton, Laurence Fearnley, newly honoured poet laureate Robert Sullivan and many more.

• Welcoming Sihle Ntuli from Durban to the festival — the Caselberg Trust Margaret Egan Cities of Literature Writers Resident 2025.

• Fresh and fierce voices — emerging writers, activists and artists lighting up the stage with bold ideas and unique perspectives.

• Events for every reader — thoughtful panels, lively poetry sessions, special masterclasses and a mini kids’ festival keep things buzzing.

• Special Ahi Kā moments — a warm and inviting festival hub that honours place, people and a love of the stories that hold us together. Fully accessible spaces, low-sensory zones for when you need to retreat, and plenty of room to knit, read or just be.

• A selection of free author sessions and activities in the hub. Try zine-making and crafts, browse the Critic: Te Arohi exhibition or make a bookmark courtesy of Otago University Special Collections.

Event details

Dunedin Writers & Readers Festival
17–19 October 2025 — Ōtepoti | Dunedin

Full programme and tickets: dunedinwritersfestival.co.nz