Writers’ Retreat Brings Leading Māori Authors to Rotorua
The countdown is on for the KUPU Writers’ Retreat, an inspiring three-day wānanga set in the gorgeous ngahere of Lake Ōkataina from 15–17 August 2025. With just two weeks to go, the final line-up of facilitators and publishers has been confirmed — and it’s a dream list for any aspiring writer.
This fully immersive retreat includes accommodation, kai, cultural activities, and workshops with some of the most celebrated literary minds from across the motu. It's open to all writers, Māori and non-Māori alike.
“It’s not just about writing — it’s about connection,” says Ruakiri Fairhall, kaihautū of
KUPU. “You’ll find wānanga with published authors, but also a boat cruise on the lake, a
glow-worm walk, time to reflect, rest, and find other ways of writing. We want people to
feel the manaakitanga of Ngāti Tarāwhai and leave feeling creatively full.”
Facilitators confirmed for the retreat include:
- Dr Monty Soutar (Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Awa, Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki, Ngāti Kahungunu) –
historian and bestselling author of the Kāwai series - Shilo Kino (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Maniapoto, Ngāti Te Ata) – award-winning journalist and
author of All That We Know and The Pōrangi Boy - Nadine Hura (Ngāti Hine, Ngāpuhi) – acclaimed essayist and poet, author of Slowing the Sun and Narrating the Seasons of Grief
- Matariki Bennett (Ngāti Pikiao, Ngāti Whakaue, Ngāti Hinerangi, Te Arawa Iwi) –
poet and performer, author of e kō, nō hea koe - Tīahomarama Fairhall (Ngāti Tarāwhai, Ngāti Rangiwewehi, Te Whakatōhea), author
of Tiakina! Tiakina! - Hira Nathan (Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāpuhi) – spoken word artist and youth mentor, author of Whakawhetai: Gratitude and Piki te Ora: Your Wellbeing Journal
- James (Hēmi) Kelly (Ngāti Maniapoto, Ngāti Tahu-Ngāti Whaoa), author of A Māori Phrase a Day and Everyday Māori, among others
Joining them are publishers:
- Louise Russell and Jemma Moreira from Bateman Books
- Qiane Matata-Sipu (Te Waiohua, Waikato, Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Pikiao) – publisher and author of NUKU: Stories of 100 Indigenous Women and Nanny Rina's Amazing Nets
- Mairātea Mohi (Te Arawa, Te Whānau-ā-Apanui), publishing associate te reo Māori at Auckland University Press
“It’s rare to get this kind of one-on-one time with publishers and mentors,” adds
Fairhall. “They won’t just be behind a table — they’ll be beside you at dinner,
sharing ideas, stories, and laughs.”
Tickets
General Admission: $450, and include:
- Two nights’ accommodation at Lakes Lodge Ōkataina
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, morning and afternoon tea)
- Eight workshops and creative kōrero
- Cultural activities including pōhiri, lake cruise, and glow-worm walk
- Return transport from Rotorua CBD
There is also an option to bring whānau or friends ($150 for a non-attending guest sharing a room; free for tamariki under 5 years).
Rotorua Pass: $150, not included:
- Accommodation at Lakes Lodge Ōkataina
- Transport to/from Lakes Lodge Ōkataina
Spaces are limited and tickets are selling fast via www.kupu.org.nz
Media interviews, press passes, and images are available upon request.
For more information, visit: www.kupu.org.nz
Contact: Ruakiri Fairhall | +64 21 359 096 | admin@kupu.org.nz
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