Auckland Writers Festival Waituhi o Tāmaki runs 13–18 May and every year the programme includes events for young readers. We asked Families and Schools Programmer Gabrielle Vincent to tell us about this year’s sessions and give you some itineraries to help you plan your weekend.
I really want families to step into the magic of storytelling at our Pukapuka Adventures weekend—I’ve designed it to be a playful, interactive celebration of books for tamariki and their whānau.
I’m hoping the sessions and activities will spark imagination and connection. I want families to explore the joy of reading together through performances, music, dancing, hands-on crafts, and so much more.
Level 5 of the Aotea Centre will be transformed into a wonder-filled space where children can follow their own curiosity—moving freely between the main stage, craft tables, and a calming low-sensory area featuring reading caves and sensory tiles, perfect for quiet moments when needed.
You can pack a lunchbox or refuel at The Terrace café or food trucks. You’ll find food tables on Level 5 for said lunchbox, along with pram parking, water refill stations, nappy changing stations (on levels 2 and 3), and a breastfeeding-friendly environment to make your visit easy and enjoyable.
Need a breather? Step outside to Aotea Square where even more free activities and pop-up caravan readings await!
The Pukapuka Adventures programme is entirely free, plus there are some additional ticketed events suitable for younger readers.
The full schedule is here, and there is plenty for every age and stage throughout the programme but I’ve also created some suggested itineraries to help you plan your day.
Entertain a Preschooler: Saturday 17 May
Wicked Lambs & Witchy Troubles
10.00 am–10.30 am
Cackle and sing along with Anika Moa (Ngāpuhi; Te Aupōuri) as she spins the wickedly funny tale of The Witch of Maketu.
Animal Escapades
10.45 am–11.15 am
Gavin Bishop (Tainui; Ngāti Awa) is one of our most treasured children’s authors, and this year’s festival’s Honoured Writer. Join him on a delightful reading adventure from The Gavin Bishop Treasury.
Granny McFlitter
10.30 am–1.00 pm
Take a break in Aotea Square and enter Granny McFlitter’s cosy caravan as author Heather Haylock brings her wild-weather adventure to life. Then try your hand at knitting or join our knitting circle if you’re already a pro!
Dance Like the Atua
11.30 am–12.00 pm
Back by popular demand, we invite you to join dancers Abbie Rogers and Madi Tumataroa from Atamira Dance Company and move your way through Gavin Bishop’s (Tainui; Ngāti Awa) best-selling and award-winning book, ATUA: Māori Gods and Heroes.
If you want to come back for more on Sunday, consider booking tickets for The Tiny Show (Sunday 18 May, 9.30 am). It’s a gentle intro to theatre, perfect for preschool and primary aged children.
Post-sport fun with your older child: Saturday 17 May
Nevermoor Unveiled
11.30 am–12.30 pm
Step into the magical world of Jessica Townsend’s Nevermoor series, where extraordinary adventures and unforgettable characters await. Note: This is a ticketed event.
Criminally Fun!
1.30 pm–2.00 pm
Meet the Pinchers—three generations of thieves, but son Theo doesn’t fit in; he can’t lie or cheat to save his life! In this interactive session, Swedish author/illustrator duo, Anders Sparring and Per Gustavsson share how they create thrilling and funny stories and illustrations.
Construct a Story
2.15 pm–2.45 pm
Here’s your chance to build something amazing! Join author Claire Mabey (The Raven’s Eye Runaways) as she guides you through an interactive story-making process while illustrator Toby Morris live-sketches your unfolding tale.
A Dreampanion Quest
3.00 pm–3.30 pm
Transport yourself into Graci Kim’s exhilarating new series Dreamslinger, where dragons and phoenixes roam the skies, meals magically appear based on your mood, and your dreams literally come to life.
Sunday funday with a young primary schoolers: Sunday 18 May
Rock Solid
10 am–10.30 am
From the creators of The Bomb and Dazzlehands, Sacha Cotter and Josh Morgan (Te Aitanga-a-Māhaki, Rongowhakaata), comes A Guide to Rocks—a lively handbook for tackling big emotions. Get ready for an animated storytelling event with live illustration, music and props!
Absolute Nonsense
10.45 am–11.15 am
A cat is shocked by its talking feet. A tiger devours a dentist. A herd of elephants attend a circus. Watch Olivia Tennet (Kiri and Lou) as she performs Joy Cowley’s A Lot of Silly. You’ll have time to visit our craft tables before heading along to hear Andy Griffiths.
Andy Griffiths: From Treehouse to Unlimited Adventure
11.30 am–12.30 pm
Dive into the imagination of one of Australia’s most popular children’s authors, whose humour has helped legions of kids fall in love with reading. Note: This is a ticketed event.
Gabrielle Vincent
Gabrielle Vincent (she/her) isa curator and producer of live performance from Tāmaki Makaurau. Gabrielle was the Programming Director for Basement Theatre from 2015 – 2019, and she still feels inspired by the determination and creativity of all the independent artists she got to work alongside within this role. After her time at Basement Theatre, Gabrielle became a māmā and then was welcomed back to the arts as Senior Producer of Tempo Dance Festival. From 2020 – to January 2023, she was the Artistic Director of the Tauranga Arts Festival, where she had the privilege of programming multidisciplinary arts experiences for Tauranga Moana. In 2022 and 2024, Gabrielle curated Tauranga Festival’sEscape, where she programmed discussions with writers, panel talks, public and schools programme workshops, and numerous family-focussed performances and activities. Gabrielle's curation practice is focused on family and community-centred projects that authentically connect with audiences.