About
The Matakana Book Festival is a brand-new literary event planned for 18–19 October 2025, spanning Matakana, Snells Beach, and Warkworth. Over two days, the festival will bring together local, national, and international authors to celebrate storytelling in all its forms. The programme includes:

Gala Event
Saturday 18 October
Matakana Cinemas
Enjoy a panel with leading local authors
Tickets available here

Children’s Authors Event
11am-12pm
Saturday 18 October
Mahurangi Library
Free Event

Adult Authors Panel
Sunday 18 October
1.15pm-2.15pm
Warkworth Library
Featuring historical fiction, crime, publishing, and more
Free event

Organised by a team of award-winning authors, the festival aims to make literature accessible and inspiring for everyone. Events will be low cost or free, ensuring families and readers of all ages can take part.

This is the first festival of its kind in Rodney, celebrating local voices, connecting communities, and sharing the joy of reading.

Aim:
- Leverage strong community networks: posters and promotional materials distributed via local businesses, schools, retailers, and libraries.
- Run targeted digital campaigns: publicity across Rodney-focused social media groups, book clubs, and literary organisations.
- Secure editorial coverage: local media outlets have already expressed interest in featuring the festival.
- Offer accessible, low-cost events: tickets kept affordable, with some sessions free, ensuring inclusion for families and young people.
- Engage proven organisers: the committee includes published, award-winning authors (Maria Gill, Sharon Fergusson, Hugh Major, Madeleine Eskedahl), who have experience running public events, festivals, and school programmes.

Key Outcomes - The festival will:

- Showcase Rodney’s literary talent across genres.
- Inspire and engage children and young readers, sparking a lifelong love of books.
- Provide professional insight into writing and publishing for adults.
- Strengthen community identity through storytelling rooted in place.
- Lay the groundwork for an annual literary festival, with potential to attract national and international participation in future years.

Currently, Rodney has no dedicated literary festival. While Auckland hosts large-scale events, Rodney residents must travel long distances to access them. Locally, opportunities to meet authors, learn about writing, and explore diverse genres are very limited.