After a three-year hiatus during COVID-19 restrictions, the popular lunchtime series Writers on Mondays is returning in 2023.

Writers on Mondays showcases the extraordinary range of literary talent in Te Whanganui-a-Tara and beyond through a series of free events featuring both established writers and exciting new talent. The series is run by the International Institute of Modern Letters (IIML), home of Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington’s renowned creative writing programme, in conjunction with Te Papa Tongarewa and Circa Theatre.

“The weather is usually terrible when this series kicks off. You’re blown across the wet streets. People hold on to lampposts for safety. For an hour over lunchtime, Te Papa is a haven and you can lose yourself in readings and live conversations. And it’s free!” says Damien Wilkins, Director of the IIML.

Just some of the 2023 events include Emily Perkins introducing Lioness, her first novel in ten years, Acorn Prize winner Pip Adam and up-and-coming novelist Tīhema Baker discussing how their new books explore systems of power, and 2023 Creative NZ/Te Herenga Waka Writer-in-Residence Noelle McCarthy unpacking her award-winning memoir, Grand.

“The pandemic restrictions of the last three years have seen many book launches and events cancelled, and Writers on Mondays provides an important opportunity to connect with some of the latest and best writing from a literary community that has, despite everything, continued to produce vital work,” says Chris Price, senior lecturer and IIML lead on the event.

The series will run from 12.15—1.15pm each Monday from 24 July to 2 October 2023 at Te Papa Tongarewa and Circa Theatre, with two special events hosted at Meow. The full programme can be viewed here.