'Feast of fresh ideas': WORD Christchurch programme announced

More than 100 writers, thinkers and performers from Aotearoa New Zealand and around the world will offer a feast of fresh ideas, fun nights out, captivating stories and powerful performances during the 2025 WORD Christchurch Festival, which runs from 27 to 31 August.

Tickets go on sale at 6pm, Wednesday 9 July, with most priced under $25.

Hear acclaimed Australian writer Charlotte Wood talk about her Booker Prize shortlisted novel Stone Yard Devotional. Be transported by the power of Australian Indigenous poet and artist Dominic Guerrera (Ngarrindjeri, Kaurna). Catherine Chidgey joins WORD fresh from a UK tour with her bestselling The Book of Guilt. The Ockhams 2025 Jann Medlicott Acorn Prize for Fiction winner Damien Wilkins will discuss his poignant novel Delirious. We’ll see another side of globally acclaimed Aotearoa author Becky Manawatu (Ngāi Tahu) as she performs poetry in the ever-popular Confluence – a celebration of cultural, musical and ancestral connections. We also celebrate treasured Ōtautahi Christchurch author and illustrator Gavin Bishop (Tainui, Ngāti Awa).

Beloved comedian Tom Sainsbury will have us giggling as he lures out literary dirt from three game writers Kate de Goldi, Rachel Paris and Josiah Morgan (Kāi Tahu, Ngāti Maniapoto). Two inspiring voices Petra Bagust and Niki Bezzant are on hand to help us navigate mid-life; and three powerful women Ali Mau, Diana Wichtel and Susie Ferguson feature with their revealing and entertaining memoirs. If true crime fascinates you, we have the best writer in the business at the festival - Steve Braunias spilling the beans about the Polkinghorne case.

For the conservationists among us, don’t miss Rosemary Baird talking about Manapōuri – Aotearoa’s biggest environmental protest; freshwater fighters, ecologist and author Mike Joy and Chief Executive of Te Kura Taka Pini Gabrielle Huria (Ngāi Tahu) will encourage us to dip our toes further into water; and we are thrilled to welcome renowned author and environmentalist Dame Anne Salmond in a career-spanning kōrero.

If you’re interested in the seismic media and political shifts of late, there’s much to delve into. The Spinoff’s Toby Manhire, Radio New Zealand's Chief Executive Paul Thompson, The Press Editor Kamala Hayman and former Head of Premium for New Zealand Herald Miriyana Alexander discuss the state of our media; an exploration of our history with Michael Belgrave, author of the landmark title Becoming Aotearoa; and some sharp satire about Wellington’s political power brokers with Brannavan Gnanalingam. The Spinoff’s political podcast Gone By Lunchtime joins us for a live episode.

We are thrilled to showcase the extraordinary story of farmer and fashionista Eden Hore, who amassed the largest collection of 1970s and 80s New Zealand high fashion garments in Australasia and showed them off in a converted tractor shed until his death in 1997. Now the subject of a stunning book – Central Otago Couture, enjoy listening to this remarkable story at a special event which includes a rare look at pieces from the collection.

Be quick to secure tickets for the ever-popular Risky Women featuring daring wāhine sharing moments when they took a chance in their personal or professional lives, Lost the Plot! Quiz Night, and Dream Dinner Party for entertaining inspiration. Discover the weird and wonderful obsessions of six brave writers in Cabinet of Curiosities; Have a Beer with writer and raconteur Duncan Sarkies in a night of comic storytelling; and join Ray Shipley for good vibes in their Late Night Poetry Hour. Head along to Chris Tse’s last hurrah as the New Zealand Poet Laureate at Love at First Line: A Poetry Dating Show, where three mystery poets woo, with just their words, live on stage. These events are going to sell out fast!

Spark ideas and foster helpful habits! Join the All Blacks’ psychology coach Gilbert Enoka as he shares secrets to success, defines resilience and talks about how to foster a winning team culture. Dr Lucy Hone, Jake Bailey and Dr Maysoon Salama talk about how they overcame some of life's toughest challenges, and Dr Jo Cribb (hopefully) provides us with much-needed reassurance in Don’t Worry About the Robots. If your goal is to write more, several of our visiting writers will share their skills in masterclasses. A free workshop on self-publishing will help you publish your own book.

There’s plenty of fun for tamariki and rangatahi, too. The fun starts in early August with Books Come Alive, a free family day at Te Ara Ātea, Rolleston, featuring Rachel Clare, Kiri Lightfoot, David Riley, Rachael King and Juliette MacIver. There’s a free Storywalk through the Margaret Mahy Family Playground; and don’t miss Word – the Front Line where Ōtautahi’s finest high school voices battle it out for the slam poetry champion crown. Head to the Edmonds Band Rotunda by the Ōtākaro Avon River on Saturday afternoon for Rangatahi Boogie featuring singing storytellers Loopy Tunes.

Music always features strongly at WORD. This year offers conversations with emerging and established hip-hop artists, and there’s a lively session with Damien Wilkins, Brannavan Gnanalingam, Pohlen Newbery (Ngai Tūhoe, Ngāti Manunui), and Claudia Jardine as they each share a love letter to a band or musician that has had an indelible impact on their lives.

WORD programme director Kiran Dass says this year’s lineup offers maximum joy for all who attend.

“Joy is essential for social connection. And social connection is the unique thing festivals provide: the joy of coming together, the collective joy of discovery, the joy of storytelling and the joy of celebrating books and the people behind them.

“Expect shared laughter, strong truths, and everything in between. WORD truly has something for everyone. To come to WORD is to be energised!”

WORD Festival executive director Steph Walker says she is proud to present a festival that will appeal to all ages, and all readers, podcast, performance and music lovers.

“This year we’re offering a bold mix of more than 50 vibrant events, with over 22 percent of the programme free and selected sessions pay-what-you-can, thanks to the support of our partners.

“WORD is for anyone with a curious mind and a sense of fun. We can’t wait to welcome you!”

WORD Christchurch Festival warmly thanks major funders Christchurch City Council, Creative New Zealand and the Rātā Foundation; principal funders the University of Canterbury, a myriad of partners, and all festival patrons and supporters and supporting publishers.

For the full WORD programme go to: www.wordchristchurch.co.nz.