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The Featherston Booktown Karukatea Festival returns for its eleventh year of diverse literary events over the weekend of 8-10 May 2026.

Featherston, New Zealand
Joined September 2015
We're thrilled to welcome Aotearoa superstar author @CathChidgey back to Featherston for two events this May, including a special writers workshop: Book your tickets here: bit.ly/3P4Lp8T
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Big ideas and bold conversations are back at the Karukatea Festival this year. Join us for thought-provoking conversations tackling some of Aotearoa’s most pressing issues: Book your tickets here: bit.ly/3P4Lp8T
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The Featherston Booktown Karukatea Festival is back from 8 - 10 May 2026 with an exciting and inspiring programme of big names, big ideas, and big conversations. Full programme & tickets here: bit.ly/3P4Lp8T
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Have an early Xmas present - our latest Podcast episode, Bookten Gala Night: Ten Out of Ten is out now! Watch it on YouTube: bit.ly/48MmDBG Audio only Podcast on Buzzsprout: bit.ly/4j4bYG4
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All of us at Featherston Booktown are still absorbing the sad news that literary icon Maurice Gee has passed away. He was a superlative and much loved writer for both adults and young people. We extend our sympathies to his family. Moe mai rā, Maurice.
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Featherston Booktown retweeted
Very much enjoyed moderating a discussion on men's mental health at @BooktownNZ on Sunday with panelists (L-R) @paddygowernz @goaheadfarms @mattheathnz & John Connell (via Zoom).
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We’re beyond thrilled to share that #FeatherstonBooktown has been featured in #NationalGeographic as one of the best book towns in the world! 📖 Full article here nationalgeographic.com/trave… Don’t forget to join us from 9-11 May 2025 for the Featherston Booktown Karukatea Festival!
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Last chance to join Friends of Featherston Booktown and feature your (business) name/ logo on the 2025 Children's Book Vouchers. Support tamariki & spark a love of reading 📖 Sign up by tomorrow (Wed 9 April) booktown.org.nz/friendsofboo… Let’s make a difference! #FeatherstonBooktown
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Join us for thought-provoking discussions at the Karukatea Festival! Explore tikanga Māori & law, decolonisation, Rogernomics' legacy, and making Parliament more humane. Let’s tackle Aotearoa’s pressing issues together. 🎟️ Book now: eventfinda.co.nz/tours-festi…
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🪵 Excited to host #LarsMytting, author of #NorwegianWood, at this year's Karukatea Festival! Inspired by his wood stacking craft, we're curious about your stacks. Here's Niall from Bannockburn showing off. Join Lars & John Campbell: eventfinda.co.nz/2025/norweg… #FeatherstonBooktown
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💥 It’s here! The Featherston Booktown Karukatea Festival 2025 Programme has launched! 💥 Join us 9–11 May for an epic line-up of authors, poets & performers. Early bird tickets are live for Friends & subscribers. General sales start Mon 9am! 📖 Plan now: booktown.org.nz/festival-202…
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🌟 Proud moment! Our own Mary Biggs shares Featherston Booktown's inspiring journey & community impact in the latest Shepherdess Magazine 📖Grab your copy to read her story!📸 Sara Tansy #FeatherstonBooktown
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🍺 NEW podcast: NZ's long love affair with beer! Author Greg Ryan chats with Denise Garland on rogues, inventors & how Kiwi beer tastes evolved—from @SpeightsBrewery to craft brews like @Parrotdog. Watch: youtu.be/IT1td1fcVvc?si=NCpM… or listen via Buzzsprout.
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Our Young Readers Programme isn't just about reading - it's about representation. We're bringing diverse writers who reflect our community's rich tapestry - Māori, Pasifika, LGBTQIA+ & emerging talents - to inspire our young people. Because every story matters. Every voice counts
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Explore the Featherston #FerretBookshop, a treasure trove of unique literary finds! This second-hand haven invites you to discover books with stories that transcend time. Visit them at 40 Fitzherbert St, Fri-Sun 9:30am-4:30pm for your next great read! #FeatherstonBooktown
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Discover The Martinborough Bookshop: a century-old building housing a literary haven. Owner Brenda curates a delightful collection in this bright, welcoming space. Visit 7 days a week at 6 Kitchener St for unhurried browsing and expert recommendations. #FeatherstonBooktown
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🎧 NEW: The Dilemma of a Bibliophile. Booksellers Ruth Shaw & Tony Eyre discuss the passion/ obsession of book collecting with David Hedley. Where has it taken them & where to put all the books? 📺 youtu.be/k-ooFYN7Qv0 🎙 buzzsprout.com/2172196/episo… #FeatherstonBooktown
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“Turn right at the vintage bookshop..” The #BookloversTrail app is your co-pilot for #Wairarapa’s indie bookstores. 🚀Download & explore: Android ➡️ bit.ly/booktrail-android iOS ➡️ bit.ly/booktrail-ios Perfect for: Weekend explorers, history buffs, coffee + book pairings ☕📚
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We're looking forward to the #MysteryintheLibrary event in #Carterton!
Sneak peek! We're stoked to be heading to Wairarapa for the first time in a few years. Join us for a terrific #MysteryintheLibrary event at Carterton Library on Wed 23 April (Dame Ngaio's birthday!); it'll be a thrilling precursor to @BooktownNZ. More soon #yeahnoir #2025Ngaios
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From cooking to roller derby, books bring diverse passions together! Join our vibrant community of book lovers. Become a #FriendofFeatherstonBooktown today at bit.ly/friendsofFBT 📸 Lucia Zanmonti #FeatherstonBooktown
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