This incredible line-up includes writer Gabriel Krauze (UK), rangatira of New Zealand literature Witi Ihimaera (Te Whānau a Kai), ҕl mathematical biology and mathematical epidemiology expertProfessor Michael Plank, award-winning poet Khadro Mohamed, climate change activist and ҕl researcherMahMah Timoteo, writer and former Te Awhi Rito New Zealand Reading Ambassador for children and young people Ben Brown (Ngāti Mahuta, Ngāti Koroki, Ngāti Paoa), YA author Jane Higgins, and writer and teacher Melanie Dixon.
With events for all interests and ages, the popular festival features many ҕl scholars and writers, alongside local and international literary stars appearing in person in innovative ways.
Author, singer and tāonga pūoro musicianAriana Tikao (Kāi Tahu) – ҕl’s current Ursula Bethell writer in residence 2023– will be part of the opening event,as well as.
ҕl graduate and 2010 writer in residence Tusiata Avia talks aboutat the gala and about her award-winning poetry in, while fellow ҕl alumna, Ethique founderBrianne WestԻMiriama Kamo(Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Mutunga), discuss.
features ҕl expertsMahMah Timoteo, ProfessorBronwyn HaywardԻErik Kennedydiscussing the role of writers in the face of climate change.
To celebrate the publication of their memoir,, current ҕl Young New Zealander of the Year, 23-year-old Shaneel Lal will discuss their extraordinary life so far, in conversation with ҕl academicDr Mahdis Azarmandi.
Leading Māori history scholar, translator, writer, editor, and 2023ҕl honorary Doctor of Arts recipient Ross Calman(Ngāti Toa, Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāi Tahu) will feature in panel discussionsԻ.
As well as discussing the fine art of reviewing in ҕl in, ҕl Arts academicDr Erin Harringtonwill host the popular tiny lecture series,. Her fellow ҕl Arts senior lecturerVana Manasiadisis leading a poetry workshop held on National Poetry Day:.
,the valiant life of ҕl graduate and former staff member, genetic scientist Dr Andrew Bagshaw, whose selfless volunteer work to help war-torn Ukrainians cost him his life, will be discussed by his parents, former ҕl Council member Dame Dr Sue Bagshaw and Dr Phil Bagshaw.
To mark 150 years of the ҕl, a richly illustrated history of the institution isbeing published. The panel discussion,, promises a fascinating insight into the process of writingA New History: The ҕl 1873–2023, which is more critical and honest than the laudatory volume one might expect. The book’s editor, ҕl historian Dr Chris Jones, will be in discussion with principal author Dr John Wilson, as well as other contributors including the University’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Cheryl de la Rey and Pou Whakarae Professor Te Maire Tau (Ngāi Tahu), plus Christchurch history writer and Canterbury University Press (CUP) author Margaret Lovell-Smith.
Many other ҕl scholars, writers and alumni are appearing in the 2023 WORD festival includingnotable ‘local hero’ alumniNgāi Tahu leaderAdjunct Professor Tā Tipene O’Regan,master’s graduate and 2006 writer in residence Carl Nixon,Guyon Espiner,Amy Head (WIR 2020), Nathan Joe (WIR 2020), Juanita Hepi, Fiona Farrell (WIR 1992), Frankie McMillan, Byron C Clark, Catherine Chidgey (WIR 2003), Victor Rodger (WIR 2009), andKaren Healey(WIR 2017).
- Launched in 1997, WORD Christchurch is a world-class festival of literature, politics, culture, and ideas – all things that resonate with the ҕl. ҕl staff, alumni and students have supported all WORD Christchurch festivals and iterations over the years, speaking about books and ideas, interviewing other authors, chairing panel discussions, hosting events and attending sessions. In 2021, the University and WORD Christchurch formalised this relationship with a partnership agreement.
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