Iona Winter

In September the New Zealand Young Writers Festival, held in Ōtepoti Dunedin, marked its 10th year. I was invited as a guest writer, on the other side of fifty, to participate in three panel discussions: Writing Grief with Ruby Macomber and Rushi Vyas, Te Ao Kāi Tahu with Tessa Patrick and Rauhina Scott-Fyfe, and How to transition from emerging to ‘emerged’ with Sam Brooks and Devon Ward. 

The NZYWF was hands down the most welcoming and inclusive festival I’ve ever attended, and it wasn’t just for ‘young’ writers. Across many genres, we gathered with mihi whakatau and closed with poroporoaki, all expertly held by Jessica Latton and the wonderful Dunedin Fringe team. Highlights were numerous, but as I reflect upon my time there, what I valued most was being in an environment, curated by the incredibly deft poet Ruby Macomber, centred around writing, grief and love. Brave, yes. And timely too. 

Writers’ festivals, targeting larger and more established audiences, could certainly learn from this festival’s model of dealing with difficult topics in creative ways that encouraged kōrero, in an environment that was both safe and brave. It wasn’t a lineup of New Zealand’s most well-known or popular ‘young’ kaituhi either, although several were present; but one that reflected and offered space to anyone choosing to participate in all things writerly. 

Several of the writers I spoke with have, like myself, had more of their work published overseas than here in Aotearoa, so may not be the household names many of us speak. Yet, the prowess and ability of all the kaituhi I heard was phenomenal, and it was a privilege to celebrate their work. Part of my role, as a writer in her 50’s, is to be present and accountable alongside other writers and find ways to support one another in our varied and diverse creative practices. 

NZYWF has left me much to ponder and reflect upon. My heartfelt thanks to Ruth Harvey, Katrina Thomson and Kate Schrader for your generosity, awareness and enthusiasm at Dunedin Fringe. I’m certain I won’t forget the welcoming and warm energy that came each time I sat down to listen to others, or to share perspectives and encouragement.

If you’re ever in Ōtepoti Dunedin around this time of year, I highly recommend attending the festival, because you’ll hear voices that are often under-represented in our literature scene, and you’ll come home having had enriching and gorgeous experiences. 

Photo credit: Don Townsend