Kia Mau
30 May – 14 June 2025
A stellar selection of writers, presenters, and provocateurs are lined up for a literary festival this May. Featherston Booktown Karukatea Festival 2025 is celebrating its ten-year anniversary. For the first time, it’s welcoming international writers. Lars Mytting from Norway, John Connell from Ireland, and Romesh Dissanayake from Australia headline the programme of events. These include readings, panel discussions, afternoon teas, and workshops. There are 44 planned events with 87 presenters.
Highlights this year include author, tikanga expert, and lawyer Te Raumawhitu Kupenga. He will lead a panel discussion on how the justice system can incorporate tikanga Māori. History buffs will be excited to listen to a discussion about the 1863-64 Waikato Wars, and Pasifika writers honour poet and writer Albert Wendt. Famously, the festival always begins with The Fish'n'Chip Supper. Enjoy while Featherston’s perform . Guest speaker Matt Brown will share a riveting personal story of healing.
A book festival would not be complete without a huge array of book sellers. In between events, dip into the bookshops to find your next best read.