International literary superstars, Lars Mytting from Norway, John Connell from Ireland, and Romesh Dissanayakefrom Australia headline the list of stellar writers, presenters and provocateurs at Featherston Booktown’s 10th Karukatea Festival over the weekend of 9–11 May.

Peter Biggs, Chair of Featherston Booktown, says:
“This year’s 10th Karukatea Festival will be one to remember as it features our first ever international writers – Lars Mytting, John Connell and Romesh Dissanayake, along with what booklovers have come to expect: bold and innovative programming across 44 events; 87 of Aotearoa New Zealand’s top presenters, writers and provocateurs; multiple booksellers; absorbing panel conversations about nation-shaping topics; fascinating sessions exploring the craft of books; and a not-to-be-missed gala evening featuring stars from the last decade. And of course, our legendary warm hospitality and manaakitanga.”

“What we’ve achieved in these past 10 years showcases how a small town can foster meaningful cultural engagement and make a significant impact on the national and international stage, while growing great communities in Featherston Paetūmōkai and the wider region.”

The festival offers a wide range of events, ensuring there is something for everyone.

To celebrate NZ Music Month | Te Marama Puoro o Aotearoa, the festival is back with another music-focused event:
The Way of Waiata.
Waiata are more than songs; they preserve history, culture and language across generations. Join a kōrero with Ria Hall(Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Ranginui, Te Whānau-ā-Apanui), Anika Moa (Ngāpuhi, Te Aupōuri), and Warren Maxwell(Tūhoe, Kahungunu, Ngāi Te Rangi, and Scotland).

More details and tickets can be found here.

More festival highlights include:

The Fish'n'Chip Supper: Opening the festival Friday evening with legendary fish’n’chips, kapa haka performances by local tamariki, and guest speaker Matt Brown (She is Not Your Rehab), sharing his powerful story of healing.

Lars Mytting: Author of the worldwide hit Norwegian Wood, speaking with John Campbell about fire, wood, and the art of storytelling.

Ko Aotearoa tēnei: Te Raumawhitu Kupenga leads a vital panel with Tā Edward Taihakurei Durie, Annette Sykes, Natalie Coates, and Herewini Ammunson on how tikanga Māori can influence the justice system.

Invasion! The Waikato War: A lineup of historians unpack the impact of the Waikato War and its enduring legacy.

Fixing The Bear Pit: Kiri Allan, Marilyn Waring, Ron Mark, and Rick Barker explore how to make Parliament a more positive place, moderated by Richard Harman.

Colonisation and Decolonisation: Facing Them Head On: A kōrero sparked by the success of Imagining Decolonisation.

Rogernomics: 40 Years On: Tracy Watkins leads a discussion with Wairarapa leaders and former politicians on the radical 1980s reforms.

Long-time favourites return too, including:

• Mrs Blackwell’s Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea
• Cooking with Passion featuring Sam Low and Vanya Insull
• Bookten Gala Night celebrating 10 years of Karukatea, featuring Selina Tusitala Marsh, Tusiata Avia, Oscar Kightley, Barbara Dreaver, Owen Marshall, Dame Fiona Kidman, Shayne P Carter, Victor Rodger, and Chris Tse.

Other unmissable events:

• The Pluck of the Irish with John Connell, Dame Fiona Kidman, Noelle McCarthy, and Claire Mabey.
• Yeah, It's All Good: Mental health kōrero with Matt Heath, Paddy Gower, and Wayne Langford.
• Design a Vagina: An honest and entertaining kōrero with Ruth Shaw and Kristy McGregor.
• Going Coastal and Reporting on the rural, remote and hard-to-find.
• Westport Wāhine: How the coast shaped Becky Manawatu and Mel Parsons.

Featherston Booktown’s patron Joy Cowley will also be honoured with the first-ever public screening of a documentary about her life, with a Q&A hosted by Mark Amery.

There’s plenty for tamariki too! Storytimes and performances with Sally Sutton, Donovan Bixley and the Wairarapa Youth Orchestra, Anika Moa, Steve Mushin, and Gillian Candler.

Tickets are now available — early booking is advised!
The Featherston Booktown Karukatea Festival 2025 runs from 9–11 May.

🎟️ Programme available in mini PDF format here
🌐 Full programme and info here
🛒 Tickets on Eventfinda here

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