Meet the Writers at the Inaugural Peninsula Writers Festival

Festival Overview

The Peninsula Writers Festival is set to kick off with a Gala Opening on Thursday, 29 May 2025, at 7:00 PM at the Mercury Bay Twin Cinemas. This opening event will feature an introduction to the festival’s lineup with each author speaking to the same topic for seven minutes of "straight talking". 

This festival represents a significant addition to the Coromandel Peninsula’s cultural calendar. We have eight excellent authors on our festival line up this year. We encourage everyone to get behind and support this first festival and secure your tickets early, as seating is limited at our venues. 

- Peninsula Writers Festival Committee (Lesley, Anne Marie, Shirley, Mabel, Jane and Christine). 

Following the opening gala, the festival will continue with a series of sessions held at the Thames Coromandel District Council Boardroom every Thursday afternoon from the 5th to the 26th June. Every Thursday there will be two sessions (at 1:30pm and 3pm). Authors will engage in discussions (guided by session interviewers), and the audience will have the  opportunity to ask authors questions. 

In addition to the literary events, books by the featured authors will be available for purchase during the festival, providing attendees with the opportunity to delve deeper into the works discussed and even obtain signed copies.

The festival offers a platform for authors to share their stories and for audiences to engage with the written word in new and meaningful ways. And, whether you're a lifelong bibliophile or simply curious about the world of writing, the Peninsula Writers Festival promises an enriching experience that celebrates the power of storytelling to connect, inspire, and transform!

- Peninsula Writers Festival Committee

Featured Authors

The festival boasts a diverse lineup of eight New Zealand authors, each bringing their unique perspectives and expertise:

Authors pictured above left to right: Giorgio Allemano, Des Hunt, Ginney Deavoll. 

• Giorgio Allemano: A biographer known for his compelling narratives that delve into the lives of notable figures.
• Des Hunt: An acclaimed children's author whose works often intertwine environmental themes with adventure, captivating young readers across the country. 
• Ginney Deavoll: Ginney Deavoll is the author of Coast to Coast Peddle Paddle, a compelling account of her adventurous journey across New Zealand, turning a dream into a published memoir.

Authors pictured above left to right: Anyam Nick & Michael Stride and Niva Kay. 

• Nick, Michael & Anya Stride: From Russia, to hiding off the grid in Australia - they are now ready to tell their story. This family trio brings a unique collaborative approach to storytelling, blending their individual talents to create engaging narratives.
• Niva Kay: Niva Kay is a regenerative gardening advocate, filmmaker, and co-author of the best-selling books The Abundant Gardenand The Abundant Kitchen, whose work bridges sustainability, digital media, and education.

Authors pictured above left to right: Stephanie Parky, Mark Vette and Russel Skeet. 

• Stephanie Parkyn: Stephanie Parkyn is an acclaimed historical fiction author whose novels, including Into the World and The Freedom of Birds, explore storytelling, resilience, and the lives of women during pivotal moments in history.
• Mark Vette: A renowned animal behaviourist and "dog whisperer," Vette has authored books on animal psychology and training, sharing his insights into the human-animal bond. 
• Russell Skeet: Russell Skeet is an upcoming author who celebrates the quiet significance of small-town New Zealand in his soon-to-be-published historical biography of timber merchant and ironmonger, the Reed Bros.

Tickets and More Information

Tickets for the Gala Opening are available now in person or online at Mercury Twin Cinemas priced at $20, Tickets for the June sessions are available at $15 per session. 

For more information visit the All About Whitianga Events pages or download the festival programme attached to this page.