The Ngaio Marsh Awards, in association with Auckland Libraries, invites booklovers to a thrilling event featuring five talented Auckland storytellers.

As crime and thriller writing - fiction and non-fiction - has evolved from puzzle-like mysteries to books delving deeply into psychology, people and places, it has continued to be one of the world’s most popular forms of storytelling. What draws us to darker tales?

2023 Ngaios Best Non-Fiction winner Steve Braunias is joined by past Ngaios finalist Stephen Johnson, local artist and author Carne Maxwell, and Auckland policeman turned kids mystery writer Angus McLean for a criminally good conversation about crafting compelling storylines and memorable characters, and the impact of place and real-life themes. Bestselling author Kirsten McKenzie will keep the peace and prosecute the offenders.

WHEN: Wednesday 1 May 2024
WHERE: St Heliers Library, 32 St Heliers Bay Road
WHEN: 6pm for light refreshments, 6.30pm panel discussion

Free entry.
RSVP: StHeliersLibrary@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz or (09) 377 0209

​Where Readers and Authors Connect

9.30am-4pm, ​Saturday 27 April 2024. 
​Claudelands Event Centre, Hamilton
​Free entry.

Discover new and exciting reads
Buy books and have them signed by the author
Meet your favourite authors

Join us on the evening of Thursday 10 August in the Joan Holland Auditorium for an exhilarating evening as the St Cuthbert's College Old Girls' Association proudly presents the 3rd annual St Cuthbert's Literary Evening.

This year's event will be shining a spotlight on our accomplished Old Girls who have left an indelible mark in the realm of media. From newsprint to magazines, radio to cameras, these extraordinary women have harnessed their creativity to craft stories that captivate and inform.

While creativity is often associated with fiction authors, poets, and playwrights, we mustn't overlook the immense creativity that flows through the veins of journalists. These unsung heroes of storytelling possess the remarkable ability to craft compelling narratives that enlighten and engage. Through their work, they bridge gaps, challenge norms, and amplify the voices of the unheard.

Join us in celebrating the brilliance of panelists Savanah Tafau-Levy, Sara-Jane Elika, Nico Penny, Jenni Mortimer, Lisa Bates, and Amanda Eason. These exceptional women will share their experiences, insights, and remarkable journeys. Together, we will explore the power of media, the limitless potential of creative journalism, and the profound impact these Old Girls have had on society. The evening is not limited to the success of our alumni, student journalist Joyce Liu will also be appearing on stage, connecting our past to our present, and giving us a glimpse into the bright future ahead for our students.

The 3rd annual St Cuthbert's Literary Evening promises an evening of inspiration, enlightenment, and the celebration of the creative forces that shape our world.

Date: Thursday, 10 August
Time: 7.00pm - 8.30pm
Venue: Joan Holland Auditorium, St Cuthbert's College
Tickets: $25 adult, $15 student

Tucked away in the redeveloped Mews Precinct at 415 Remuera Road, is Auckland's newest independent bookstore - The Little Book Shop, an absolutely  beautiful haven for book lovers.

The Little Book Shop have started a Winter Reading Series, and this week it is my turn to read, alongside the beautiful Tsitsi Mapepa, the scholar Gina Cole, and one of my dearest friends, Pip McKay.

Wine and delicious pastries are available, thanks to their local sponsors, and the event won't cost you anything, unless you decide to buy all the books. Which is encouraged!

I'll be reading from my latest time travel book Ithaca Bound, and copies will be available for purchase, and signing, there.

St Cuthbert's Old Girls' Association is hosting the second annual St Cuthbert’s Literary Evening to fundraise for the Old Girls' Association scholarship fund.

Featuring a panel of former St Cuthbert's alumni who have achieved literary success in fiction and non-fiction publishing, including Diane Levy, Sarah Tuck, Lindy Davis, Simone Nathan, Pamela Allen, and Cassandra Grodd.

Kirsten McKenzie’s latest thriller, The Forger and the Thief, will be launched at Time Out Bookstore on the 4th November 2020, to coincide with the 54th anniversary of the Florentine floods which provide the setting for the gripping paranormal thriller.

Starting at 6pm, everyone is welcome. Please note that the steep staircase will provide an accessibility issue for some attendees. If this affects your attendance on the night, please email Kirsten directly, and alternative arrangements can be made.

Copies of all Kirsten’s books will be available for purchase on the night from Time Out Bookstore.

Please RSVP by clicking the button below

Speed-date-an-author event Wham Bam Author Jam returns for a second year in Christchurch.

Featuring authors from around New Zealand and Australia, the event is growing in size and popularity.

Kirsten will be holding a workshop for authors covering how to market themselves and their book/s.

Wham Bam Author Jam provides opportunities for readers to meet and chat with a large number of authors from around New Zealand and Australia. Authors from all genres will be in attendance, signing books and meeting readers.

The Ngaio Marsh Awards, in association with the New Zealand Book Council and Auckland Libraries, invite Auckland booklovers to an event featuring four talented local crime writers. 

Over the past century, crime writing has evolved from puzzle-like reading into modern novels delving deeply into people, places, and psychology. Still the world's most popular form of storytelling, crime fiction can take readers into all aspects of society, providing page-turning entertainment and memorable characters while also addressing real-life social issues. 

2018 Ngaio Marsh Awards contenders John Ling, Kirsten McKenzie, and Gary Paul Stephenson will be joined by 2017 Ngaios finalist Simon Wyatt to discuss how they craft authentic characters and narrative tension, and the impact of setting on tales of crime and mystery. Auckland lawyer and Ngaio Marsh Awards judge Darise Bennington will play referee and prosecute the offenders. 

WHEN: Thursday, 12 April 2018
WHERE: New Lynn War Memorial Library, 3 Memorial Drive
WHEN: 6.15 for a 6.30pm panel discussion

This is a free event.
RSVP: newlynn.library@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

John Ling is a West Auckland author who was born in Malaysia, and combines his East-West upbringing in his politically charged espionage thrillers. John is a USA Today bestselling author and his latest book REBELLION Is entered in the 2018 Ngaios. 

Kirsten McKenzie is a former Customs Officer who battled international crime for years before leaving to run a family antiques shop. She has written three novels, including the #1 bestselling thriller PAINTED, which is entered in the 2018 Ngaios. 

Massey author Gary Paul Stephenson travelled the world working for international companies for many years. His passion for the environment and interest in politics inspired his Charles Langham series of action-packed eco-thrillers. His latest novel THE ATLANTIC AFFAIR, is entered in the 2018 Ngaios. 

Simon Wyatt is an ex West Auckland detective who wrote his THE STUDENT BODY while recovering from a life-threatening condition. The New Zealand Herald called his debut "a compelling tour through the mean and moneyed streets of West Auckland".

The Auckland Arts Festival White Night is a unique opportunity to see Auckland enlivened with a diverse range of arts activities.

For one night only, artists take over the city. Inspired by Nuit Blanche (Paris’s White Night), it’s a time for gathering friends and family under the night sky and stroll through your local neighbourhood to engage with well-known artists and artistic newbies. For free.

Kirsten McKenzie will be appearing with irreverent retro fiction author Andrene Low at Auckland's iconic Antique Alley, halfway down Dominion Road. Together Kirsten and Andrene will be holding live readings, and running Author Q&A's about their writing and publishing journeys.

We'd love to see you there. We'll be live from 6pm until nearly midnight... 

Antique Alley, 240 Dominion Road, Mt Eden, Auckland 1024