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Ka tīmata te pūrākau. Waiho mā ngā kupu tuatahi koe e tō mai. The story begins soon. Let the first words find you.
Nau mai whakakao mai ki KUPU 2025.
He taiopenga hai whakahuihui i ngā ringatuhi Māori o te motu, hai whāriki i ō rātou kaupapa tuhituhi, titotito hoki ki te marea.
KUPU Ngā Ringa Tuhituhi – Māori Writers Festival 2025 returns to Rotorua with a bold new format and fresh energy. Rere te maramara! The sparks of storytelling will be flying across three unforgettable events — from a lakeside writers’ retreat at Lake Ōkataina, to our flagship festival in Rotorua’s cultural heart, and hosting the Pikihuia Awards in Rotorua for the very first time.
Join us as we honour the power of indigenous storytelling. Hear from celebrated Māori authors, poets, playwrights, screenwriters, kapa haka composers and reo champions — each sharing their journeys, skills and inspirations. Whether you’re a writer, reader, kaihaka or kaiako, there’s something here for you.
TE HŌTAKA
Pāhi Rā 1 · Friday 17 October
9.00am–4.00pm · Te Papaioūru Marae, Ōhinemutu, Rotorua
Pāhi Rā 2 · Saturday 18 October
9.00am–4.00pm · Whakarewarewa Village, Rotorua
Pō Whakanui · Saturday 18 October
6.00pm-Late · Te Rau Aroha, Whakarewarewa, Rotorua
Welcome, come together for KUPU 2025.
A festival bringing together Māori writers from across the country, to lay down their stories and compositions before the people.
Latest news
Stay up to date with the latest announcements, events, and stories from the KUPU Festival — a dynamic celebration of Māori literature and storytelling in Aotearoa.
TOA KUPU
guest writers
Meet the writers, poets, composers, and storytellers who bring their voices to KUPU. Each guest brings a unique perspective, weaving together words, ideas, and experiences that inspire, challenge, and connect us.
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