Join us around the ancient fire of story…

This year, we invite you to join our whānau and share in our kaupapa – creating a space where stories and voices bring our community together. The Dunedin Writers & Readers Festival has always been about more than literary events; it’s where people gather in community and solidarity around the home fires of storytelling.

Walk With Us

This year brings a different funding landscape than we’ve navigated before. We’re reaching out to our community to help us continue delivering the festival experience you love. We're seeking to raise a minimum of $10,000 through crowdfunding to bridge the gap and cover essential festival costs.

Your contribution joins an incredible network of support – our venue partners, funders, sponsors, festival guests and volunteers.

Whether you can offer $5 or $500 - your support means sharing in our vision of a community where every voice matters.

Our campaign runs for three weeks,
finishing on Sunday 24th August!

Our Deepening Kaupapa

This year, we’re investing even more deeply in Te Tiriti o Waitangi, ensuring that te reo Māori, Māori worldviews, and indigenous storytelling traditions are woven throughout our festival experience. This isn’t just about programming – it’s about honouring the whenua we gather on and the stories that have shaped this place for generations.

What Awaits You in October…

A warm space surrounded by the gentle hum of kōrero, community. Puzzles, kai, hot drinks. An author you admire has just shared their words, sparked by an engaging chair who brings out the juicy details and asks the questions everyone has on their mind. Masterclasses to dive deep and discover the how-too. Poetry readings to inspire, challenge, and give you a bit of cheeky side-eye.

A place to retreat, rest, re-energise. Help us keep the home fires burning. 

With aroha, the Dunedin Writers & Readers Festival Whānau.