KUPU Writers’ Retreat 2025 | Te Roto o Okataina

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.