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APRIL 30, 2025, WAIRARAPA MIDWEEK
Festival of books, storytelling and ideas returns to Featherston
Ten years of books, ideas and community at the Karukatea Festival! This May, we’re celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Featherston Booktown Karukatea Festival and what a journey it’s been. From the very beginning, this festival has been a true community effort, with volunteers rolling up their sleeves, and our town’s warm hospitality welcoming booklovers from near and far. Together, we’ve put Paetūmōkai Featherston firmly on the map - not just as a national literary highlight, but as one of the top six Booktowns in the world, according to National Geographic! This year, we’re proud to see our Festival continue to grow, reflecting the diversity and creativity of our region. Our much-loved Young Readers Programme for Wairarapa rangatahi and the
Book Voucher project are back, ensuring tamariki from the South Wairarapa can discover the joy of stories and choose a book of their own with their own ‘money’. These initiatives, made possible by the generosity of many supporters, are at the heart of what we do. So, here’s to ten years of big nation-shaping conversations, stories, ideas and connection. Whether you’re a regular or it’s your first time, we can’t wait to welcome you for another unforgettable Karukatea Festival - right here, in the place we’re proud to call home.
Must-see events in 2025 WESTPORT WĀHINE: BECKY AND MEL When singer Mel Parsons and author Becky Manawatu burst onto the Aotearoa arts scene, no one cheered louder than their hometown of Westport. Old friends from Buller High, both have just released exciting new work— Sabotage and Kataraina. Join Anika Moa as she finds out what inspires them, how they lift each other up, and whether there really is something special in the Westport water.
YEAH, IT’S ALL GOOD: MEN KEEPING THEMSELVES WELL Why do so many men – especially in rural Aotearoa – find it hard to talk about what’s really going on? Join a no-holds-barred kōrero about masculinity, mental health, and what it means to keep well in today’s world. This is a conversation not just for the guys but for everyone – wives, partners, whānau and friends – because supporting the men in our lives is something we all share. With Matt Heath, Paddy Gower, Federated Farmers President and YOLO Farmer Wayne Langford, and Irish writer John Connell, led by Phil Quin. Free copies of Farmstrong’s book Getting Through for all who attend. Sponsored by Farm Focus.
BOOKTOWN BOOKTEN GALA NIGHT Celebrate Featherston Booktown’s 10th birthday in style at our Gala Night – a doublebill of literary brilliance and Pasifika pride. We begin with a feast for the senses: Pasifikainspired kai on arrival and live music from Malaga Sā Strings, before turning the spotlight on the legendary Albert Wendt. A true forefather of Pacific literature, Albert’s stories have given voice and vision to generations across Oceania – including a formative year teaching at Greytown’s Kuranui College. Join Wairarapa Pacific community leader Mena Antonio and a powerhouse panel – Selina Tusitala Marsh, Tusiata Avia, Victor Rodger, Mele Wendt, Dame Winnie Laban and Nafanua Kersel – as they share their favourite moments from Albert’s work and their own.
Then, it’s time to blow out the candles and cut the cake!
After that, the celebrations continue as our “Ten out of Ten” birthday showcase gathers a glittering line-up of festival favourites – Dame Fiona Kidman, Becky Manawatu, Chris Tse, Marilyn Waring, Tusiata Avia, Shayne P Carter, Owen Marshall, Noelle McCarthy, Victor Rodger and Selina Tusitala Marsh – each reading from work that speaks to who they are and what matters most. Anything goes! Hosted by Peter Biggs, this is a night to remember – come and be part of the story. Supported by Creative New Zealand Pasifika Arts Team and Luke Pierson.
9 11 MAY 2025 9-11 A message from Joy Cowley, Patron of Featherston Booktown: “Every time we open a book, we step into another world and find new friends sometimes even a new part of ourselves. That’s the magic Featherston Booktown brings to life each year. Come and join us at the Karukatea Festival, and let stories connect and inspire you in the heart of our community.”
KO AOTEAROA TĒNEI: TIKANGA MĀORI AND THE JUSTICE SYSTEM One of Aotearoa’s most pressing constitutional questions – how state law and tikanga Māori intersect – takes centre stage in this vital kōrero. Te Raumawhitu Kupenga (Ngāti Porou), lawyer and tikanga expert, leads a panel of luminaries: Tā Edward Taihakurei Durie (Rangitāne, Ngāti Kauwhata, Ngāti Raukawa), former High Court Judge and Waitangi Tribunal Chair; Annette Sykes (Ngāti Pikiao, Ngāti Mākino), Māori rights champion; Natalie Coates (Ngāti Awa, Ngāti Hine, Tūhoe), Treaty law expert; and Herewini Ammunson (Ngāti Kahungunu/Rangitāne ki Wairarapa, Te Arawa, Sāmoa), Papawai Marae chair. Expect a frank exploration of justice, reconciliation, and the future of Aotearoa’s legal landscape. Sponsored by Arotahi Communications.
Don’t miss out—book your festival tickets today! Book tickets NOW, as events will sell out! Scan the QR code elsewhere on this page to go straight to the Eventfinda website to book your tickets. Full programme details are on our website https://www.booktown.org.nz/festival-progamme 2025 MAJOR FUNDERS
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