Schools Programme

We’re offering inspiring experiences to Christchurch school students with FREE sessions for all ages!

Teachers, would you like to secure a booking for your students? Email schools@wordchristchurch.co.nz. 

BOOKS ALIVE! FOR PRIMARY AND INTERMEDIATE STUDENTS

Kids, tell your teacher. Teachers, bring your class – we’ve got the best and brightest stars of the New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults coming to Ōtautahi Christchurch! Award finalists Giselle Clarkson (Omnibird), Heather Haylock (Koro Wētā, Granny McFlitter) Inangaro Vakaafi (Hunt for Niu Tupu), Sacha Cotter (A Guide to Rocks, Dazzlehands) and Toby Morris (Pūkeko Who-Keko?) will get you inspired and excited about reading and writing. Find out more about our visiting finalists as well as other books on the shortlist on the Book Awards website.

Books Alive is a programme of large-scale, immersive events that bring hundreds of students in touch with finalist authors and illustrators in the weeks leading up to the annual New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults ceremony.

Thursday 13 August, 10.00-11.30am

Chisnallwood Intermediate School Hall (76-90 Breezes Road, Avondale, Christchurch 8061)

Featuring 2026 finalists Heather Haylock (Koro Wētā), Inangaro Vakaafi (Hunt for Niu Tupu), and Toby Morris (Pūkeko Who-Keko?)

Friday 14 August, 10.00-11.30am

Hillmorton High School Hall (31 Tankerville Road, Hoon Hay, Christchurch 8025)

Featuring 2026 finalists Giselle Clarkson (Omnibird), Inangaro Vakaafi (Hunt for Niu Tupu), and Sacha Cotter (A Guide to Rocks)

To register for your school for WORD Christchurch Books Alive events on either Thursday 13 August or Friday 14 August, please complete this quick online form or email booksalive@nzbookawards.org.nz

Please note that while all Books Alive events are free, booking is essential.

INSPIRING MINDS: SECONDARY SCHOOLS DAY
Thursday 3 September
10am– 2pm
University of Canterbury Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha
FREE: To register your school group email schools@wordchristchurch.co.nz

WORD is engaging and inspiring the future of Ōtautahi Christchurch with our free session for secondary school students across the motu. An amazing opportunity for students to meet and listen to exciting

An amazing opportunity for students to listen to and meet exciting writers and thinkers who are movers and shakers in their fields. Our incredible line up includes writer Claire Mabey, illustrator Hilary Jean Tapper, journalist Charlotte Glennie, writer Tania Roxborogh, New Zealand Rugby Sevens player and revitaliser of Sāmoan language Jason Tiatia, artist Bryce Galloway, comedian and writer Pax Assadi and writer and musician Dominic Hoey. Hosted by Ekant Veer.

With the support of Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha University of Canterbury

To register your students please get in touch with our Schools Coordinator: Email schools@wordchristchurch.co.nz for more information and to come along.