Landfall in Unknown Seas

The highlight event of the Going West Books and Writers Festival 2011, this year’s Going West Books and Writers Weekend evokes memories of Allen Curnow whose birth is celebrated this year; references our iconic literary publication Landfall, which has gone online; and wonders at our slender hold on this shaky isle in its vast southern oceans.

The weekend includes 19 sessions with New Zealand writers and columnists, discussing and debating thoughts and ideas, plus a performance by acclaimed New Zealand musician Don McGlashan (joined by Titirangi musician David Parker).

There will also be a special cocktail party to celebrate the Going West Trust and the launch of the Shadbolt House project.

With topics ranging from food to forensic science, art to family history, film to answering the question "Who really designed the Buzzy Bee?", and of course the rugby, the weekend events promise to entertain and enlighten.

Highlighted writers include Rebecca Priestley, Natalie Oldfield, Dinah Hawken, Martin Edmond, Owen Marshall, Anna Sandiford, Roseanne Liang, Michael Smythe, Peter Simpson, Graeme Murdoch and Sarah Gaitanos, while Spiro Zavos will provide insights on how to watch the Rugby World Cup 2011, and Steve Braunias heads a session with columnist Deborah Hill-Cone, Jane Bowron and Paul Thomas.

The centenary of Allen Curnow’s birth is celebrated with an extended session of poetry and commentary, including a reading by David Eggleton, a discussion on writing residencies with Allen’s son Wystan Curnow and Whim Wham, a live reading by actor Stuart Devenie of Curnow’s satirical alter ego (as heard on Radio New Zealand National). The session will finish with a recording of Allen Curnow reading Landfall in Unknown Seas to music composed by Douglas Lilburn.

The finalised literary weekend programme is now attached below in PDF format