AUT supports writers festival

This year’s Going West Books & Writers Festival is on from 6-15 September. A celebration of writers, thinkers and performers from New Zealand and the Pacific - past and present, established and emerging, the Festival is based in Titirangi, with events taking place in other part of the West as well.

AUT is a proud supporter of the Festival, and the programme was launched at an event hosted at the University last week. Welcomed by AUT’s Sharon Harvey – Head of School, Language and Culture, guests heard from Bob Harvey – Going West Patron and ex-Mayor of Waitakere who spoke about establishing the Festival 24 years ago. Gillian Roach, alumni of AUT’s Centre for Creative Writing, read some of her poetry.

Over ten days, some of New Zealand’s leading authors, poets, playwrights and musicians will offer fresh ideas, future-thinking, language and laughter in a full programme of events which includes a Theatre Season, a Poetry Slam, film screenings, and other satellite events.

When it began 20 years ago, it was the Auckland region's first writers' festival. Since its inception in 1996 more than 350 writers and performers have taken part.

As well as being a supporter of the Festival, Siobhan Harvey from AUT’s Centre for Creative Writing will appear at Broken Pasts and Severed Futures on Sunday 8 September, 10-11am at Titirangi Town Hall. Carl Shuker, author of A Mistake and Kirsten Warner, author of The Sound of Breaking Glass will join Siobhan to explore how consequence drives the arc of their stories.

Tickets and further information 

For more information, including the festival programme, visit the Going West website.