The British Council New Zealand and the Pacific is proud to support some of New Zealand's best literary talent at the world-renowned Edinburgh International Book Festival, taking place from 9-24 August 2025.
The Edinburgh International Book Festival is one of the world's most respected literary events, bringing together over 600 writers and thinkers from 35 countries across six continents. This year's festival theme, "Repair", explores how we might fix the many things around us that feel broken – from the physical to the political, the emotional to the environmental. With nearly 700 events taking place at Edinburgh Futures Institute, the festival provides a vital platform for challenging but considered discussions on topics of personal, social, and global importance.
We're delighted to showcase these outstanding New Zealand voices who will be participating in the 2025 programme. Claire Mabey is an award-winning award-winning literary festival founder, book editor and children’s author and respected literary critic, bringing her sharp insights and passion for New Zealand literature to international audiences. Her expertise in contemporary writing and keen editorial eye make her a compelling voice. Catherine Chidgey is one of New Zealand's most celebrated novelists and the author of nine novels including her latest acclaimed work "The Book of Guilt." Her writing has earned numerous awards and international recognition, with her novels exploring complex themes of identity, history, and human nature with remarkable depth and artistry. Dominic Hoey is a dynamic poet, author, and performer who brings energy and authenticity to contemporary New Zealand writing. Known for his honest, raw storytelling and engaging stage presence, Dominic represents the vibrant voice of a new generation of Kiwi writers. Becky Manawatu (Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Māmoe, Waitaha) is a West Coast author and journalist whose powerful debut novel "Auē" has garnered critical acclaim both in New Zealand and internationally. Born in Nelson and raised in Waimangaroa, Becky's work explores themes of whānau, place, and resilience with profound emotional impact.
The participation of these writers in Edinburgh demonstrates the strength and diversity of New Zealand's literary landscape. Their presence at the festival provides an invaluable opportunity to share uniquely New Zealand and Pacific perspectives with global audiences, build international connections and collaborations in the literary world, showcase the quality and innovation of contemporary New Zealand writing, and further strengthen cultural ties between New Zealand and the UK.
The British Council New Zealand and the Pacific are proud to support the following events as part of the Festival:
Write the World with Claire Mabey
19th August, 11.15am
Venue C, Edinburgh Futures Institute
Read On! A Career-Long Professional Learning Event with Claire Mabey and Leyla Josephine
20th August, 6.15pm
Venue C, Edinburgh Futures Institute
Children’s Perspective: A Workshop with Catherine Chidgey
21st August, 1.30pm
Venue A, Edinburgh Futures Institute
From Aotearoa to Alba: A Literary Exchange
With Dominic Hoey (Author); Becky Manawatu (Author); Hollie McNish (Author); Michael Pedersen (Author); Jackie Kay (Author); Mohamed Hassan (Author)
21st August, 8.00pm
Spiegeltent, Edinburgh Futures Institute
Becky Manawatu: Family Drama
22nd August, 11.45am
Venue NW, Edinburgh Futures Institute
Catherine Chidgey: Conscious Tissue
22nd August, 3.15pm
Venue NW, Edinburgh Futures Institute
Catherine Chidgey & Laila Lalami: Dreaming Dangerously – Chaired by Jane Flett
22nd August, 8.00pm
Venue B, Edinburgh Futures Institute
Learn to Write Good: A Workshop with Dominic Hoey
23rd August, 2.00pm
Venue A, Edinburgh Futures Institute
Juano Diaz & Dominic Hoey: For the Dreamers and the Underdogs
23rd August, 6.30pm
Venue B, Edinburgh Futures Institute
For more information and to buy tickets visit the Edinburgh International Book Festival website.