Bookworms on the move for writers and readers week

Bookworms across Auckland will come out of the woodwork this week for the the city’s annual literature fest.

The Auckland Writers and Readers Festival, from today, May 13, to May 17, aims to celebrate the works of New Zealand, Pacific and international writers through a range of readings, seminars and free events.

Chief executive of the New Zealand Society of Authors Maggie Tarver says the festival is an asset to Auckland’s literary community.

More than 60 New Zealand personalities will take part, including writers, radio hosts, publishers, literary critics, university lecturers and editors.

University of Auckland English student Georgia Turner says she is particularly looking forward to those events featuring New Zealand authors.

“New Zealand literature has a long way to go to reach the maturity of European countries, but it shouldn’t be forgotten or given up on.”

Turner says she hopes that even if people don’t go to the festival that they will spare a thought for New Zealand books when they next visit the library or bookshop.

“I think there’s a stereotype that New Zealand writing is boring and has nothing to offer.”

Tarver agrees and says she would like to see increased support of New Zealand literature.

“I would like to see New Zealand books promoted more in bookshops and placed prominently with international writers at the front of shops, instead of hidden away at the back in their own little section.”

A selection of international writers will also speak on topics including terrorism, science, religion, poetry, fiction.

A BBC correspondent from Pakistan will also be at the festival.

Auckland City Council’s website says the festival is a highlight on Auckland’s cultural calendar and brings together thousands of writers and readers.

One of the most anticipated events will be the New Yorker Night, featuring three senior writers from The New Yorker magazine on May 13.

The writers are senior political writer Hendrik Hertzberg, finance writer cum indie music aficionado James Surowiecki, and literary critic and fashion writer Judith Thurman.

School programmes will also be available for intermediate and secondary students.

These programmes will feature a selection of finalists from the Commonwealth Writers Prize Award, the writers of Outrages Fortune, Dave Gibson from Elemeno P, as well as writers from the main festival programme.

Mother-of-seven Cathy Turner says she is concerned her children could forget reading and become too addicted to TV and the internet.

She says she tries to limit the time her younger children spend on the computer and encourages them to read on a daily basis

“I like to keep the selection of reading wide. I want my kids to know about the world and peoples of different cultures, times and places.”

The festival will also be the start of the international 23^rd Commonwealth Writers Prize Awards.

Finalists for the award were announced in March and the ceremony will take place at ASB Theatre on May 16.

Tickets range from $10 to $65, with student discounts and group passes available.