The Marlborough Book Festival

Dame Fiona Kidman - Sense of Justice

Dame Fiona Kidman has never shied away from the big topics both on and off the page. She has a deep interest in social justice and telling the story of “outsiders”.

Speaking to Jane Forrest Waghorn, Fiona reflects on the causes she has taken up over her career, from her feminist writings in the 70s and 80s, to telling the tragic tale of Albert Black, one of the last people to be executed in this country, in 'This Mortal Boy' (2018).

The conversation was recorded at the 2021 Marlborough Book Festival.

Charity Norman Part 2 - The Secrets of Strangers

In 'The Secret of Strangers' (2020), a gunshot rings out in a London cafe and the lives of five strangers are forever changed.

Speaking to Tessa Nicholson at the 2021 Marlborough Book Festival, Charity discusses her involvement in the real-life event that inspired the book, as well as her recent novels, her inspiration, influence and writing process.

Charity Norman Part 1 - Advocate to Author

Charity Norman’s own life story is as fascinating as the lives she writes about in her gripping novels - minus meth addiction and cult membership. Born in Uganda and raised in UK vicarages, Charity pursued travel and a successful legal career as a barrister before moving to New Zealand.

 

Speaking to Barbara De Leo at the 2021 Marlborough Book Festival, Charity reflects on her road to rave reviews and bestseller status.

The Ice Shelf: Anne Kennedy

The Ice Shelf: Anne Kennedy in conversation with Naomi Arnold at Spy Valley Winery at the 2019 Marlborough Book Festival.

Our heritage with Dr Vincent O'Malley

On the Marlborough Book Festival's signature Marlborough Sounds Cruise, guests enjoyed beautiful scenery and brunch including fresh New Zealand King Salmon and stunning Dog Point Vineyard wines.

Listen as eminent New Zealand historian Dr Vincent O'Malley discusses some of the lesser-known aspects of Aotearoa history, including the Wairau Affray, with Marlborough-based historian Ron Crosby.

The Art of Simple: Eleanor Ozich

The Art of Simple: Eleanor Ozich in conversation with Charlotte Patterson at The Treehouse at Cloudy Bay at the 2019 Marlborough Book Festival.

Extreme Woke Leftie: Emily Writes

Emily Writes in conversation with Naomi Arnold at The Treehouse at Cloudy Bay at the 2019 Marlborough Book Festival. 

2018 Opening Night: Off The Page

In a Marlborough Book Festival first, some of our guest authors took their stories off the page and brought them to us live on stage, in a fun filled, exciting and moving evening of Kiwi oratory talent.  

Tina Makereti: Where The Rēkohu Bone Sings

Tina Makereti writes novels, essays and short stories. When Tina came to investigate her Moriori heritage it led to her first novel, Where the Rēkohu Bone Sings. 

In this session with journalist Nikki Macdonald, Tina discusses her novel that confronts the complexity of being Moriori, Māori and Pākehā and finding a place of belonging. 

Vincent O'Sullivan: All This By Chance

One of New Zealand's finest writers, Vincent O'Sullivan came to the 2018 Marlborough Book Festival in the wake of releasing his first  novel in 20 years, All This By Chance. 

In this session, Vincent chats with journalist Mike White about his novel - a moving, multi-generational saga, of a family spread across Italy, Greece, Africa and New Zealand.