The 2019 Auckland Writers Festival will run from 13-19 May, and here’s just some of the speakers we’re excited about.
Words Lara Wyatt. Image above: Nick White
There’s an abundance of amazing speakers lined up for the 2019 Waituhi o Tāmaki (Auckland Writers Festival). Make sure you check out the full programme, but we’ve selected some of the speakers we’re very excited about for you to learn more about.
Sisonke Msimang (pictured above, photo Nick White)
You’ll have three chances to hear Sisonke Msimang. She’ll be on the panel at True Stories Told Live: At The Crossroads, Hear Our Voices and during her individual presentation Of Exile and Home. Msimang is the daughter of a South African freedom fighter and an accountant. She was born in exile and has lived on three continents. In her memoir Always Another Country: A Memoir of Exile and Home, Msimang discusses the notion of freedom that she associates as a sort of home of hers. She’ll speak with Dan Salmon during her presentation.
Robert Vennell
The author of The Meaning of Trees, Robert Vennell has explored the history and significance of native trees and plants in New Zealand. Vennell is also the collections manager at Auckland Museum. The Meaning of Trees will be in stores from May 2019, and at the festival he’ll explain how plants carry the stories of our nation and identity.
Miriam Lancewood
In her book Woman in the Wilderness, Dutch-born Miriam Lancewood talks about how she spent six years living off the grid in the wilderness of New Zealand’s South Island with her partner. Lancewood will talk to Te Radar about leading a simple life during her presentation Into the Wild: Miriam Lancewood.
There are so many incredible presentations to look forward to, and this is just a handful that we’re looking forward to. Check out the full programme to pick what you’ll head along to experience.
