KUPU 2025 Returns to Rotorua — Bigger and Bolder Than Ever

KUPU Ngā Ringa Tuhituhi Māori Writers Festival — one of Aotearoa’s first and only Māori writers festivals — returns to Rotorua this year with a bold new line-up, a dedicated day in te reo Māori, and a continued commitment to the future of Māori literature.

Māori literature continues to thrive. At the prestigious 2025 Ockham New Zealand Book Awards, a high number of Māori authors were shortlisted, with Dr Ngāhuia Te Awekōtuku taking out the top prize for non-fiction her stunning memoir Hine Toa. The bestseller charts are increasingly dominated by Māori voices — Monty Soutar’s Kāwai series remains a top seller, Dr Hinemoa Elder’s books continue to resonate with readers, Shilo Kino’s debut adult fiction novel entered the charts at number one, and Michelle Rahurahu’s Pōhara won Best First Book at the Ockhams.

KUPU is about honouring the past and committing to the future — KUPU 2025 includes a dedicated writers’ retreat designed to whakamana and amplify the voices of emerging young Māori writers. The expanded programme also features a two-day festival in Rotorua with international guest speakers and space to honour our literary pou — including the beloved Sir Hirini Moko Mead, whose latest book Mātauranga Māori was released in June at the tender age of 96.

For the first time in our festival's history, a full day of the festival will be held entirely in te reo. This is a huge milestone for us — the revitalisation of te reo Māori is something to be celebrated, as we honour both the past and the future. Ka mura, ka muri — we walk backwards into the future, guided by the wisdom of those who came before.

KUPU 2025 Highlights:

• Writers’ Retreat at Lake Ōkataina Lodge (15–17 August)

• Two-Day Festival in Rotorua with international guest speakers (17–18 October)

• Special Literary Partnership Event at Te Puia (19 October) — details to be announced

With new leadership and a bold, future-focused vision, KUPU 2025 is shaping up to be a vibrant platform for Māori writers, publishers, and communities — both here in Aotearoa and around the world.

“This year marks a shift — from a week-long programme to a distilled, impactful few days that we hope will inspire writers and readers from across the motu,” says Ruakiri Fairhall, 2025 KUPU Kaihautū / Festival Director.

“We’re excited to bring this kaupapa back to our Rotorua community, while welcoming writers and participants from across the country and beyond. This year’s festival will feature over 40 invited guest writers, including returning names like Dr Ngāhuia Te Awekotuku, Dr Monty Soutar, Dr Hinemoa Elder, and Shilo Kino, alongside new voices such as Michelle Rahurahu, Te Kahukura Boynton, and Dr Poia Rewi.”

“In recent years, we’ve celebrated the incredible success of Māori writers. Now, we’re focused on supporting the next wave. Through a series of wānanga, we’ll provide opportunities for emerging and established writers to strengthen their skills and deepen their understanding of the publishing world.”