Books Alive programme to make return
The Books Alive programme returns to the Deep South next week.
Hundreds of Southland pupils will get to meet some of New Zealand's best children's authors at two events in Invercargill.
Claire Mabey, Dahlia Malaeulu, Juliette MacIver and Li Chen will discuss their books and connect with their readers during a public visit at the Invercargill Public Library and a school session at the Centre Stage Theatre.
The authors are finalists for the New Zealand Book Awards For Children and Young Adults (NZCYA).
Invercargill author and award-winning writer Pauline Smith said the programme allowed the students to get into the heads of the writers.
"For any children who love reading and love writing, to get up close with an actual published author is a really good opportunity," Ms Smith said.
"They can hear [about] how they went through the process, what it took, and see themselves as future authors and illustrators."
She said the stories that came from the diverse ethnicities within the group of authors would leave an impression on young Southland readers.
"We've got a range of backgrounds and ethnicities including a Pasifika author [and] a person of Chinese descent, so that's nice for all kids, but [especially] for kids of those ethnicities to see themselves in the future in those positions [as authors]."
A free adult-focused session will be held at the Invercargill Public Library next Tuesday, followed by the school session taking place at the Centre Stage Theatre on July 30.
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Books Alive programme to make return
Project manager Pauline Smith shows a book by author Dahlia Malaeulu, who is coming to the Books Alive event in Invercargill next week. PHOTO: NINA TAPU The Books Alive programme returns to the Deep South next week. Hundreds of Southland pupils will get to meet some of New Zealand's best children's authors at two events in Invercargill. Claire Mabey, Dahlia Malaeulu, Juliette MacIver and Li Chen will discuss their books and connect with their readers during a public visit at the Invercargill Public Library and a school session at the Centre Stage Theatre. The authors are finalists for the New Zealand Book Awards For Children and Young Adults (NZCYA). Invercargill author and award-winning writer Pauline Smith said the programme allowed the students to get into the heads of the writers. "For any children who love reading and love writing, to get up close with an actual published author is a really good opportunity," Ms Smith said. "They can hear [about] how they went through the process, what it took, and see themselves as future authors and illustrators." She said the stories that came from the diverse ethnicities within the group of authors would leave an impression on young Southland readers. "We've got a range of backgrounds and ethnicities including a Pasifika author [and] a person of Chinese descent, so that's nice for all kids, but [especially] for kids of those ethnicities to see themselves in the future in those positions [as authors]." A free adult-focused session will be held at the Invercargill Public Library next Tuesday, followed by the school session taking place at the Centre Stage Theatre on July 30.
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Calling for applications from writers of fiction, non-fiction, poetry and drama with a literary track record, who are currently working on a new project. The Peter and Dianne Beatson Fellowship is awarded each year to a mid-career or senior writer to work on a project that shows a high level of literary merit and national significance and is donated by Peter Beatson. We thank Peter for his continuing and generous support of New Zealand writers. In 2024, the fellowship was awarded to Dr Jacqueline Leckie, who used the funding to work on her biography with the working title Meg Campbell (1937–2007): Aroha and Resistance. Dr Jacqueline Leckie told us she was honoured to be the recipient of the 2024 Peter and Dianne Beatson Fellowship and the Fellowship would enable her to research and write the first book length biography of one of Aotearoa's most original and memorable poets, Meg Campbell (1937–2007), provisionally titled 'Meg Campbell (1937–2007): Aroha and Resistance.' Meg's story has remained within the shadows of her renowned creative husband, Alistair Te Ariki Campbell. Other previous recipients include: Laurence Fearnley, Tim Jones, Siobhan Harvey, Whiti Hereaka, Emma Neale, Michael Harlow, Tina Makereti, Jillian Sullivan, Sue Wootton, and Frankie McMillan. Deadline for applications: Thursday 18 September 2025 To apply for the fellowship you need to be a member of the NZ Society of Authors (PEN NZ Inc). Membership is open to all developing and established writers. New Zealand Society of Authors Te Puni Kaituhi O Aotearoa (PEN NZ Inc) was established in 1934 and is the principal organisation representing writers' interests in NZ. A national office oversees 8 branches and hubs, administers prizes and awards, runs professional development programmes, advocates for the sector and to raise the visibility of NZ writers and NZ writing. It works in partnership with Ngā Kaituhi Māori and its developing Youth writer's network.
