15–17 August 2025 | Lakes Lodge Okataina, Rotorua

The KUPU Writers’ Retreat 2025 invites all kinds of writers — poets, playwrights, novelists, composers, journalists, screenwriters and more — to a three-day wānanga grounded in mātauranga Māori and manaakitanga.

Held at the secluded Lakes Lodge Okataina, surrounded by the waters and ngahere of Ngāti Tarāwhai, this retreat is a rare opportunity to recharge, create, and connect with experienced writers and industry leaders.

With a full programme of workshops, kōrero, a cruise, and lakeside activities — plus all meals, accommodation, and transport from Rotorua included — this is an all-inclusive experience for writers at any stage of their creative journey.

Programme Highlights

Friday 15 August 2025

6:00pm – Pōhiri (Okataina)
6:30pm – Welcome Dinner
7:30pm – Introduce Facilitators & Set the Scene
9:00pm – Glow worm walk

Saturday 16 August 2025

8:00am – Breakfast
9:30am – Kaikōrero tuatahi
10:30am – Morning Tea
11:00am – Workshops 1 & 2
12:30pm – Lunch
1:15pm – Workshops 3 & 4
3:00pm – Workshops 5 & 6
4:00pm – Afternoon Tea
6:30pm – Dinner
7:30pm – Entertainment & Networking Evening
9:00pm – Open Mic

Sunday 17 August 2025

8:00am – Breakfast
9:30am – Lake Okataina Cruise
10:30am – Q & A Session
11:00am – Workshops 7 & 8
12:30pm – Lunch
1:15pm – Presentation of work
3:00pm – Karakia Whakakapi

Facilitators

Shilo Kino
Nadine Hura
Matariki Bennett
Tīahomarama Fairhall
Monty Soutar
Pere Wīhongi
Hira Nathan

Publishers & Industry Leaders

Louise Russell (Bateman Books)
Mairātea Mohi (Auckland University Press)
Pania Tahau-Hodges (HUIA Publishers)
Kawata Teepa (HUIA Publishers)
Elise Adams (Māori Literature Trust)

What’s Included

✔ 2 nights' accommodation at Lakes Lodge Okataina
✔ All meals – breakfast, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner
✔ Full access to workshops, kōrero and creative sessions
✔ Cultural activities including pōhiri, lake cruise, and glow worm walk
✔ Transport to/from Lakes Lodge Okataina (from central Rotorua)
✔ Industry mentoring and one-on-one time with facilitators and publishers

Cost

$450 per person

Keen to bring whānau or friends?

+$150 for a non-attending guest sharing a room
Free for children under 5
Groups of 2-4: please enquire via admin@kupu.org.nz about shared arrangements

This retreat is for writers — whether you're emerging, established, or just getting started. You’ll be surrounded by mana, encouragement, inspiration, and the space to write your way forward.

KUPU Writers’ Retreat 2025 | Te Roto o Okataina

Choose your tickets

General Admission ticket

Extra Adult (Shared Room – must pair with General Admission) ticket

Donations

Koha - Tautoko KUPU | Support the Festival