Auckland Writers Festival 2021: Waituhi o Tāmaki
The 2021 Auckland Writers Festival, themed Waituhi o Tāmaki, brought together a diverse array of global literary voices and local talent. Held from May 11 to 16, the event blended in-person appearances with live-streamed sessions to celebrate the power of storytelling and creative expression.
Key Facts
- Dates: May 11 to 16, 2021.
- International Headliners: Neil Gaiman and Behrouz Boochani (in person); Kazuo Ishiguro and Ai Weiwei (live stream).
- Major Launch: A Clear Dawn, the first creative writing anthology of Asian New Zealand authors.
- Closing Event: A Worship of Honoured Writers.
International and Local Literary Talent
The festival featured a prestigious lineup of international writers. While Neil Gaiman and Behrouz Boochani appeared in person, the event leveraged technology to bring Nobel laureate Kazuo Ishiguro and renowned artist Ai Weiwei to the audience via live stream.
The program also showcased a wide range of acclaimed authors, including Isabel Allende, Marilynne Robinson, Yiyun Li, Mohamed Hassan, Sue Kedgley, Ngahuia te Awekotuku, Claudia Orange, Ghazaleh Golbakhsh, Brian Easton, Monique Fiso, and Charlotte Grimshaw.
Curated Showcases and Performance
Beyond traditional readings, the festival integrated theatre and curated thematic sessions. The theatrical offerings included Blindness, a production from London based on the novel by José Saramago, and Witi’s Wāhine by Nancy Brunning, which drew inspiration from the writings of Witi Ihimarea.
Oro and Talanoa
Two distinct curated segments highlighted specific cultural and literary voices. Oro, curated by Ruby Solly, featured contributions from Becky Manawatu, Ross Calman, Anahera Gildea, Arihia Latham, Nic Low, Kiri Piahana-Wong, and essa may ranapiri.
Talanoa, curated by Gina Cole, brought together Tusiata Avia, David Eggleton, Oscar Kightley, Selina Tusitala Marsh, Karlo Mila, and Victor Rodger.
Milestones and Educational Workshops
The festival served as a platform for significant literary milestones. A highlight was the launch of A Clear Dawn, co-edited by Paula Morris and Alison Wong. This work marks the first-ever creative writing anthology specifically for Asian New Zealand authors.
Academic and critical discourse was represented by Alice Te Punga Somerville during the Michael King Memorial Lecture. Her presentation drew upon her 2020 publication, Two Hundred and Fifty Ways to Start an Essay about Captain Cook.
To support aspiring writers, the festival hosted professional workshops led by experts including Mary Karr, Carl Nixon, Kevin Barry, Eileen Merriman, Andrew O’Hagan, Michael Robotham, and Shaun Tan.
Festival Summary
| Category | Details/Participants |
|---|---|
| Dates | May 11–16, 2021 |
| Key International Guests | Neil Gaiman, Behrouz Boochani, Kazuo Ishiguro, Ai Weiwei |
| Curated Series | Oro (Ruby Solly) and Talanoa (Gina Cole) |
| Notable Publication | A Clear Dawn (Asian New Zealand anthology) |
| Closing Event | A Worship of Honoured Writers |
A Worship of Honoured Writers
The festival concluded with a grand finale titled A Worship of Honoured Writers. This closing event paid tribute to some of the most influential figures in literature, featuring Fiona Kidman, Patricia Grace, Witi Ihimaera, Vincent O'Sullivan, CK Stead, Brian Turner, and Albert Wendt.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the 2021 Auckland Writers Festival take place?
The festival was held from May 11 to May 16, 2021.
Who were the international writers who streamed their sessions?
Kazuo Ishiguro and artist Ai Weiwei participated in the festival via live stream.
What is the significance of the book A Clear Dawn?
Co-edited by Paula Morris and Alison Wong, it is the first creative writing anthology featuring Asian New Zealand authors.
Which authors led the creative writing workshops?
Workshops were presented by Mary Karr, Carl Nixon, Kevin Barry, Eileen Merriman, Andrew O’Hagan, Michael Robotham, and Shaun Tan.
What was the theme of the closing event?
The closing event was titled "A Worship of Honoured Writers" and featured a group of distinguished authors including Patricia Grace and Witi Ihimaera.