Story Telling under the Star Waka

Come together for a special reading of The Promise of Puanga with author Kirsty Wadsworth. This beautiful picture book celebrates Puanga and the Māori New Year—honouring the rhythms of nature, whānau, and tradition.

Kirsty, a published author and primary school teacher, brings warmth and insight to her storytelling, with a love for te ao Māori that shines through her award-winning work.

This family-friendly session includes storytelling, kōrero, and a chance to meet the author. Perfect for tamariki, whānau, and anyone curious about the stars and stories that guide us.

Speaker Bio

Kirsty is a published author and primary school teacher with a love of sharing stories, especially with her husband and two children. She has been writing her whole life, and her books have won the Joy Cowley award and two Storylines Notable Book awards, for which she is now a judge.

ABOUT THE STORY WORLDS FESTIVAL

Story Worlds is a new festival that invites audiences to experience storytelling as a rich, interconnected practice—through the written word, material culture, and oral traditions. Explore the programme, which stretches across Puke Ariki Museum, Libraries, and the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery | Len Lye Centre for four days of sessions that celebrate storytelling in all its forms and honour the ways stories help us make sense of ourselves, each other, and the world we share.

The Gallery is set over a number of levels, which are connected by ramps, stairs and an elevator. All spaces and facilities are mobility-friendly. We have manual wheelchairs available for use while at the Gallery, and mobility spaces available in the Len Lye Centre Cinema.

For more information on Gallery accessibility please visit Accessibility | Govett-Brewster Art Gallery | Len Lye Centre

This event will be held in the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery.

Photo credit: Milldove Photography

Host or Publisher Cultural Experiences: Puke Ariki Museum and Libraries & Govett-Brewster Art Gallery | Len Lye Centre