Auckland Writers Festival unveils first four authors for 2027 schools programme

The Auckland Writers Festival Waituhi o Tāmaki has announced four acclaimed children’s authors and illustrators as the first headliners for its 2027 Schools Programme, bringing internationally recognised literary talent to thousands of young readers across New Zealand.

The line-up features New York Times bestselling authors Chloe Gong and A F Steadman, award-winning British children’s writer and former UK Children’s Laureate Joseph Coelho, and bestselling illustrator and graphic novelist Aki Fukuoka. The programme comes at a time of growing concern over declining literacy levels, with organisers hoping to encourage children to rediscover the joy of reading through direct interaction with authors, storytelling sessions and creative activities.

Thousands of primary, intermediate and secondary school students attend the festival's schools sessions each year. The events have earned a reputation for their energy and enthusiasm, with one former attendee describing the experience as a "rock concert for reading". Gabrielle Vincent, the festival's Family and Schools Programmer, said the programme aims to connect students with authors and illustrators whose work can spark their interest in books while strengthening their learning.

"There is an increasing awareness of the importance of reading for pleasure, and the programme is designed to showcase authors and illustrators that students will really connect with," Vincent said. She said the sessions also support classroom learning by encouraging students to engage with literature, explore different perspectives, develop critical thinking and understand the power of storytelling.

The impact can extend well beyond the festival itself. Long queues for book signings reflect the enthusiasm young readers develop when they meet the people behind their favourite stories. One teacher who attended a previous programme described how the experience transformed a group of reluctant readers.

"It has turned a whole group of boys into readers," the teacher said, recalling how students were so excited to receive signed copies that they continued reading long after the event. Among the 2027 headliners is New Zealand-raised Chloe Gong, the No. 1 New York Times bestselling author of acclaimed fantasy and science fiction novels, including These Violent Delights. Her books have been published in more than 20 countries, and she was named to Forbes' 30 Under 30 list in 2024.

Now based in New York, Gong is returning to the festival as a speaker after attending its Schools Programme as a young reader herself. She will have the opportunity to share her journey with a new generation of aspiring readers and writers. Joining her is Joseph Coelho, an award-winning British children's author and playwright who won the 2024 Carnegie Medal for The Boy Lost in the Maze. His poetry-based young adult novel The Girl Who Became a Tree was also shortlisted for the prestigious award and received a special mention at the 2021 Bologna Ragazzi Awards.

A former UK Children's Laureate, Coelho will lead interactive sessions for primary and intermediate students, exploring poetry, its structure and the creative process behind writing it. His latest poetry collection is titled Rapunzel is a Lettuce. A.F. Steadman, author of the hugely popular and New York Times bestselling Skandar series, will introduce younger audiences to the magical world of unicorns, mystical lands and fantastical creatures.

Having grown up in the English countryside immersed in fantasy stories, Steadman initially pursued a career in law before turning to writing. Her festival sessions will give primary and intermediate students an insight into how she developed the imaginative world behind her bestselling series.

The fourth headliner, Aki Fukuoka, is an award-winning children's book illustrator and graphic novelist born in Japan and raised in New Zealand. With more than 80 illustrated books to her credit, Fukuoka is widely recognised for her work on the internationally popular Billie B Brown series, written by former Australian Children's Laureate Sally Rippin. Her books have sold more than five million copies worldwide and been translated into 14 languages.

Her sessions for primary school students will explore the new Billie B Brown graphic novels and feature live illustration demonstrations. Vincent said all four guests bring the ability to engage young audiences and demonstrate how reading and writing can enrich creativity, learning and wellbeing.

The four names are only the beginning. Organisers say the full 2027 Schools Programme will feature around 17 authors from Aotearoa New Zealand and other parts of the world. The remaining authors and registration details are expected to be announced at the beginning of Term 1, 2027.

With support from the Freemasons Foundation, the festival is also working to make the programme accessible to more schools and students. Ticket prices and details of assistance through the Schools Transport Fund will be announced once confirmed. The 2027 Auckland Writers Festival will run from May 11 to 16 at the Aotea Centre in central Auckland. The pre-festival STREETSIDE: BRITOMART event is scheduled for May 7.

The annual festival attracts around 90,000 attendances over six days, bringing together national and international writers, thinkers and creatives to celebrate books, ideas and storytelling.