The Dunedin Writers and Readers Festival is happening from October 17 to 19, 2025, in Ōtepoti Dunedin.
This festival promises to be an exciting event, featuring acclaimed authors, poets, storytellers, and industry professionals.
If you're a book lover, aspiring writer, or simply appreciate storytelling, you won't want to miss it out as it’s a grand opportunity.
Festival break down
Here’s a look at the vibrant Dunedin Writers & Readers Festival in Ōtepoti/Dunedin:
📅 Festival Dates & Highlights
When: Saturday 17th – Monday 19th October 2025
Key feature: author talks, panel discussions, readings, book signings, workshops, and conversations across genres, including Māori storytelling and climate narratives (Dunedin Writers & Readers Festival).
Where: Hosted in Dunedin’s cultural hubs—Dunedin Public Art Gallery, Otago Settlers Museum, Central Library, Pioneer Women’s Memorial Hall, and other nearby venues (Wikipedia).
🌿 Literary & Cultural Essence
Dunedin is a UNESCO City of Literature with a storied arts heritage spanning over 30 years.
The festival draws on this history, showcasing authors, poets, storytellers, and industry professionals, and acting as a gateway for both international and local voices (Dunedin Writers & Readers Festival).
🎭 Māori & Indigenous Focus
The 2023 theme—Te Pūao: the place where the river meets the sea—underscored deep Māori engagement, te reo inclusion, and Ahi Kā communities.
The 2025 program continues this legacy with rōpū leadership and events grounded in indigenous mātauraka (Dunedin Writers & Readers Festival).
🤝 Community, Support & Volunteering
This non‑profit festival is supported through grants, sponsorships, partnerships, donations, vouchers, and volunteer contributions—every bit helps strengthen Dunedin’s cultural heartbeat (Dunedin Writers & Readers Festival).
Although it's a great opportunity for budding writers to spend 6 weeks in residency, the deadline for application is almost gone.
It is time to simply get the book feature and make your presence felt at the festival.
Happy reading everyone.
