The Wairarapa has wrapped up another successful chapter of Yarns in Barns: Wairarapa Festival of Reading, which saw 15 authors travel to the Wairarapa to share their stories, engage with readers, and ignite a love for literature in our community.
Organised by Hedley’s Books, Fraser Books, Masterton Library, and the Wairarapa Library Service, the festival spanned two weeks, beginning with an afternoon of rhyme and song with musician, Paul McLaney on New Zealand Bookshop Day on October 12th. For book lovers, writers, and aspiring young readers, this year’s festival was a heartwarming celebration of storytelling in its many forms.
Readers enjoyed connecting with some of the country’s top authors, from fiction to real-life stories. Media personalities Paddy Gower and Noelle McCarty covered many topics – from chasing politicians to the impacts of alcoholism and life’s true priorities. Historical fiction writer Cristina Sanders shared the Wairarapa connection to her book Ōkiwi Brown, adventurer Hannah-Rose Watt recounted her thigh-burning experiences in the Tararuas from Wild Walks, and Sam the Trap Man spoke openly about his motivations as a bushman. Ex-NZSAS commander Jamie Pennell, known as “Serviceman J,” mesmerised the audience with accounts of the Kabul siege, while Liam Dann and Carissa Fairbrother of RIVAL Wealth helped demystify the current economic climate.
Human rights lawyer and educator Roimata Smail distilled the key aspects of the Treaty of Waitangi and even invited the audience to perform a waiata. Romance writer Nicky Pellegrino whisked us away on a lunchtime escape to Italy, and Louise Ward led a thrilling discussion on solving a mystery in a bookshop. A panel of authors celebrated the incredible contribution Fraser Books’ Ian and Diane Grant have made during their 40 years of publishing local stories and history.
Among the many highlights was Poems in the Barn, held on a perfect Wairarapa day at the festival’s iconic venue, The Barn—a working woolshed in Gladstone. Renowned poet and scholar Harry Ricketts warmed the crowd up and crowned the winners of the inaugural Jan Gerritsen Poetry Competition. Local poet, Adrienne Jansen took the top prize in the adult category with RD 2 and a Tractor, followed by runners-up Alastair Clarke, Barbara Wilton, and Philippa Tucker. Aidan Stapleton’s Skylight won the teen category. You can learn more about the competition here.
This kicked off an open mic poetry session, where many participants took to the shearing board to share their verses. The intimate rural setting of Strang’s Woolshed fostered a warm, inviting space for self-expression, establishing the event as a festival favourite and highlighting the region’s poetic talent.
We would like to take a moment to thank the Strang and Klue families for their amazing contribution to our festival. Without their woolshed, and the enormous mahi to get it ‘festival ready’ Yarns in Barns just wouldn’t be the same.
Children’s events were also a major highlight, drawing young readers and their families to Masterton Library and local schools. Junior fiction authors James Russell and Sam Smith brought their adventure series to life, with children eagerly listening, laughing, and even offering up their own wacky book ideas. The excitement was so high that some young readers who attended a school visit during the day, returned to the library afterschool for another chance to see the authors.
Watching the children light up as they held their signed books, thrilled to read them at home, was truly magical.
Thanks to the generous support of Masterton Trust Lands Trust for helping us bring James Russell to Masteron and distribute free books to the children in Year 5 and 6 at Lakeview and Solway Primary.
We would also like to thank Eastern and Central Community Trust, who supported us in bringing author and comedian, Sam Smith to Masterton for school visits and the event at the Masterton Library, and financing the distribution of free books to the children at Douglas Park School. Sam was a huge hit with the kids, talking to them about how fun reading and telling stories is. He also spoke to them about living with MS, which the children really responded to.
Seeing the joy on children’s faces as they were introduced to the world of books was one of the most rewarding aspects of the festival. Both Masterton Trust Lands Trust and Eastern and Central Community Trust share a commitment to ensuring all children get equal opportunities to experience the magic of reading. Their support has helped spread the joy of literature and opened doors to new adventures through the written word.
Perhaps the best part of books is that no matter your age, their magic never wanes. The community’s enthusiasm and engagement with this year’s Yarns in Barns festival is proof that a love of stories is alive and well in the Wairarapa. In addition, the festival offered a valuable opportunity for people to connect with others in the community. In an age where screens dominate our lives, the chance to meet face-to-face with fellow readers, discuss ideas, and simply enjoy being part of a literary-minded crowd brought a warm, communal atmosphere to every event. Attendees remarked on the joy of finding kindred spirits who share their passions, and the festival provided a welcoming space for people to exchange ideas, recommend new reads, and dive into meaningful conversations. Whether sparking a friendship over historical fiction or bonding over children’s books with other parents, Yarns in Barns truly demonstrated the power of books and stories to unite people.
Ngā mihi nui to everyone that made this year’s Yarns in Barns: Wairarapa Festival of Reading one of the best yet. Authors, publishers, sponsors and supporters, venue hosts and everyone who pitched in to help make it happen. We thank you.
But most of all, thank you to everyone who came along, purchased a ticket or a book. Without your support Yarns in Barns wouldn’t be possible.
