On Wednesday 13th May, 49 intrepid book lovers journeyed to the Aotea Centre in central Auckland to attend the Secondary Schools day at the Auckland Writers’ Festival 2026.
Students from Years 9 to 13 attended the day, many returning for a second or third time.
We heard from All Blacks Mental Skills coach Gilbert Enoka about his new book Unstoppable, fantasy writer Nikita Gill shared her new novel Hekate, dystopian novelist Josh Silver held the audience in the palm of his hand discussing his novels Happy Head, Dead Happy and his new work TraumaLand. Finally, bright young poetic stars Matariki Bennett and Manaia Tuwhare-Hoani shared their poetry and creative processes.
Students asked insightful questions, bought books galore and had a fabulous day!
