Sat 4th July 2026
We’RE excited to announce writefest is back with A FULL DAY OF inspiring WRITING workshops & panels!
Writefest annually brings a group of amazing tutors and wordsmiths together under one roof to inform & teach writing skills over ONE super stimulating day.
Last year was a blast and we can’t wait to do it all again!
What can I expect at WRITEFEST?
If you’re a writer who wants to improve your craft, learn new stuff and connect with other writers - this event is for you…
5 Workshops
2 PANELS
7 Awesome Tutors
3 Coffee Breaks
1 BRILLIANT DAY
Our tutors are experienced, successful writers so this is a fantastic opportunity to upskill and get inspired whether you’re brand new or your writing is well under way.
our 2026 workshops:
WRITE YOUR ROMANTASY
IMPROVE YOUR DIALOGUE
PANEL: WRITING ROMANTIC FICTION
PANEL: WHAT CRIME WRITERS GET WRONG
START YOUR MEMOIR
PITCHLAB
FRAGMENTS & SCRAPS: UNCONVENTIONAL PLOTTING
SATURDAY WORKSHOPS - Doors open 8.00am
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WRITE YOUR ROMANTASY — Steffanie Holmes
IMPROVE YOUR DIALOGUE — Steve Barr
PANEL: WRITING ROMANTIC FICTION — Nicky Pellegrino (Facilitator: Caroline Barron)
PANEL: WHAT CRIME WRITERS GET WRONG — Angus McLean (Facilitator: Atakohu Middleton)
START YOUR MEMOIR — Caroline Barron
PITCHLAB — Kathryn Burnett
FRAGMENTS & SCRAPS: UNCONVENTIONAL PLOTTING — Anne Kennedy
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OUR STELLAR LINE UP OF NEW TUTORS
ON SALE SOON
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ON SALE SOON —
HOW do i register?
So many ways you can join us at Writefest! Choose the ticket option that suits you best...
Buy an All Day Pass and indulge in a full day of writerly goodness - as many workshops as you like PLUS includes Coffee all day, morning and afternoon tea.
Time poor? Buy a Single Workshop Ticket and come to the class that suits you. NB: All ticket holders are invited to join us for Coffee & snacks.
Want to buy an All Day Ticket in 4 part payments? Get in touch and we’ll sort you out.
08:30 am - 10:30 am
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WRITE YOUR ROMANTASY — Steffanie Holmes
Got a killer romantasy idea but not sure how to blend the magic and the romance? Romantasy looks deceptively easy but when you’re juggling two massive genres – how do you get the balance right? Help is at hand. This workshop explores how to build irresistible chemistry alongside high-stakes magical/supernatural worlds and how to create stories readers can’t put down. 2 HOURS
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IMPROVE YOUR DIALOGUE — Steve Barr
Nailed your plot and characters but feel your dialogue could be tighter, sharper or just work harder? Learn how to make what your characters say (and don’t say) feel authentic, dynamic and full of subtext, with Screenwriter and Development Exec Steve Barr. 2 HOURS
MORNING TEA: 10:30 am - 11:00 AM
11:00 am - 12:15 pm
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panel: WRITING ROMANTIC FICTION — Nicky Pellegrino (with Caroline Barron)
What makes a love story truly compelling? Where do you start? Join bestselling author Nicky Pellegrino in conversation with author Caroline Barron to explore the craft of romantic fiction- from creating believable relationships to sustaining emotional tension. 1 HOUR 15 MINS
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PANEL: WHAT CRIME WRITERS GET WRONG — Angus McLean (with Atakohu Middleton)
Think you know crime writing? Think again. This lively panel digs into the mistakes crime writers often get wildly wrong. Based on his experience as a detective and private investigator, Angus McLean has written the book that sets things straight. Join him for this informative discussion. 1 HOUR 15 MINS
LUNCH: 12:15 PM - 01:15 PM
1:15 pm - 3:15 pm
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START YOUR MEMOIR — Caroline Barron
Got a story to tell? In this practical and inspiring workshop, award-winning memoirist Caroline Barron guides you through finding your focus and structuring your story. Learn how to identify the moments that matter, avoid common pitfalls of life writing, and turn memory into compelling narrative. Whether you’ve already started writing or just want to begin, this session will give you the tools and insights to begin your memoir. 2 HOURS
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1:15 pm - 4:15 pm
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PITCHLAB — Kathryn Burnett
Want to test your story idea? In this dynamic interactive workshop, you’ll test and refine your story concept in a supportive, fun environment designed to strengthen your premise and clarify your direction. Walk away with a sharper, super clear pitch and a clearer sense of your story’s potential. 3 HOURS
AFTERNOON TEA: 3:15 Pm - 3:45 PM
3:15 pm - 4:45 PM
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FRAGMENTS & SCRAPS: UNCONVENTIONAL PLOTTING — Anne Kennedy
Not all stories begin with a neat outline. This session explores “patchwork plotting” an alternative way of building narrative from fragments, images and moments, showing how seemingly disconnected ideas can be shaped into a compelling whole. 1.5 HOURS
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Nicky Pellegrino
Nicky Pellegrino is the author of 15 bestselling novels and a non-fiction book. She writes commercial women’s fiction and combines that with freelance journalism, contributing regularly to titles like the Listener and New Zealand Woman’s Weekly. She also teaches creative writing workshops, does some manuscript assessment and leads small group tours to Italy. Nicky’s next novel, A Siena Love Story, will be published in September.
Caroline Barron
Caroline is an award-winning author and presenter. Her memoir Ripiro Beach (Bateman Books) won the 2020 NZ Heritage Literary Award; her debut novel Golden Days was published in 2023. She holds an MA in Creative Writing and a journalism degree, leads storytelling and writing workshops, and has worked with Auckland Writers Festival and NZ Society of Authors. Her work has appeared in Condé Nast Traveller, Awa Wahine and the New Zealand Herald.
Steffanie Holmes
Steffanie Holmes is a USA Today bestselling author of kooky, spooky cozy paranormal and gothic romance. Her books feature witty heroines, secret societies, quirky villages, eerie mansions, and mysterious antiheroes with dark secrets. Legally blind since birth, she won the 2017 Attitude Award for Artistic Achievement. She lives in Aotearoa New Zealand with her husband, cantankerous cats, and a medieval sword collection.
Anne Kennedy
Anne is a poet, novelist and teacher. Recent books: The Sea Walks into a Wall; The Ice Shelf; editor of Remember Me: Poems to Learn by Heart from Aotearoa New Zealand. Current editor of AUP’s New Poets series. Awards include the Prime Minister's Award for Poetry and the NZ Post Book Award for Poetry. She has taught creative writing at the University of Hawai`i and Manukau Institute of Technology. She lives in Tāmaki Makaurau.
Steve Barr
Steve moved to New Zealand in 2010 after 16 years in Hollywood. He worked at Universal Studios, wrote for Walt Disney Pictures, and was VP of development at SMASHfilms. Hired to write over a dozen screenplays internationally, two were produced: Timeslow and Born To Dance. He produced 20+ shorts and two features—Chronesthesia and Hang Time. From 2019–2023 he was commissioner for drama and scripted comedy at Television New Zealand.
Atakohu Middleton
Dr Atakohu Middleton wrote Kia Hiwa Rā! Māori Journalism in Aotearoa New Zealand (Huia, 2023). A professional journalist, she has worked at the New Zealand Herald and New Zealand Listener. Her first te reo Māori book, the short-story collection Waka Aroha (AUP), publishes in September and includes four police-related stories. Her next te reo work, provisionally titled Raukura, is a crime novel.
Angus McLean
Angus has published 28 novels in just over 10 years and has a hardcore following overseas, especially in the United States, which makes up about 75 per cent of his readership. He started writing crime, action-based spy and post-apocalyptic thrillers when he was a police detective but has since retired and now works as a private investigator. This year he published the invaluable “Cop It Right – The Crime Writers Handbook”.
KATHRYN BURNETT
Kathryn is an award‑winning screenwriter, playwright and writing coach with notable stage and screen credits. She was story producer on the children’s drama Secrets At Red Rocks. Her latest theatre work, the one‑woman show Nicola Cheeseman Is Back, premiered in 2024 with an encore in 2025. She’s published by Upstart Press (co‑author of How to Spot a Dickhead) and appears in the horror anthology Remains to Be Told – Dark Tales of Aotearoa.
FAQ
Q: Who are THESE workshopS for?
Writers! Anyone writing and interested in improving their writing or learning new craft. There are a range of workshops - some are for aspiring writers, others are for people who have already begun their writing journey. (Get in touch if you have questions - here)
Q: What is the MINIMUM age limit?
15 years old (But we’re happy to discuss!)
Q: How Many of the workshops will I have access to?
If you’ve purchased an All Day Pass you can join as many of the workshops as you like. If you buy an Individual workshop ticket you’ll only have access to that workshop.
Q: What is the catering situation?
Morning and afternoon tea are provided. Purchasers of the All Day Pass also invited to our Saturday night Panel & Networking Drinks.
Q: Can I buy additional tickets at venue on the day?
Yes, if you want to upsize to an All Day Pass or purchase another individual ticket - no problem. You can use cash or scan a QR Code to buy on your phone.
Q: Are the tickets transferable?
From person to person or Writefest workshop to Writefest workshop - yes. Transferable to another Hey Writer event - no.
Q: What is your refund policy?
If we cancel the event for any reason - ticketholders will receive a full refund less Eventbrite fees. (NB: In case of COVID related lock downs - the event will be postponed and a postponed date will be offered shortly after announcement.)
NB: If the ticket holder wishes to cancel their Writefest 2026 registration a refund will only be issued if cancellation is a minimum of 7 days before the event. No exceptions. As tickets to this event are limited, Hey Writer cannot issue refunds or exchanges after this time.