KUPU Writers' Retreat

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 ofKUPU. “You’ll find wānanga with published authors, but also a boat cruise on the lake, aglow-worm walk, time to reflect, rest, and find other ways of writing. We want people tofeel 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 andauthor of All That We Know and The Pōrangi Boy

● Nadine Hura (Ngāti Hine, Ngāpuhi) – acclaimed essayist and poet, author of Slowingthe 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), authorof Tiakina! Tiakina!

● Hira Nathan (Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāpuhi) – spoken word artist andyouth mentor, author of Whakawhetai: Gratitude and Piki te Ora: Your WellbeingJournalJoining them are publishers:

● Louise Russell and Jemma Moreira from Bateman Books

● Pania Tahau-Hodges and Kawata Teepa from HUIA Publishers

“It’s rare to get this kind of one-on-one time with publishers and mentors,” addsFairhall. “They won’t just be behind a table — they’ll be beside you at dinner,sharing ideas, stories, and laughs.”

Tickets are $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).

Spaces are limited and tickets are selling fast via www.kupu.org.nz