About Bookmark Kāpiti
Bookmark Kāpiti celebrates the people, stories and places of the Kāpiti region. We aim to showcase our rich creative diversity and include stories and writing for all kinds of readers, writers and storytellers.
We run a few bookish events every year alongside our major festival weekend every second year.
Our 2025 festival featured workshops, talks and performances for children, young people and adults – from sunny Ōtaki to wild Paekākāriki. From gardening to kōrero about the environment to workshops on writing songs or your life story, there were topics for everyone to explore or inspire.
22 April
The place of the past in writing history and historical fiction
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Historical fiction writer Jenny Pattrick, in conversation with local historian Chris McLean
The talk will be followed by a theory to practice session about historical fiction research from local writer and teacher Mandy Hager.
Listen to a discussion about some of these statements and others along with a chat about jewellery.
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History tends to focus on "great men" and leaders while historical fiction has the power to highlight the lives of women, ordinary people or other marginalised groups.
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Discuss the challenge of writing characters that are relatable to 2025 readers while remaining true to the mindsets of their own era.
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How do novelists use "plausible fiction" to fill in missing details where the historical record is silent. What do historians do to fill these gaps in their writing?
Mandy then breaks down the research and process she undertook to write Heloise, as a practical example.
Format 1 hour, PM tea then 1 hour workshop/talk
29 April
Ink to Action: The people we love to watch onscreen
Writer, director, and producer Mike Smith interviewed by Natala Gwiazdzinski
Writer and director of The People We Love(a film set in Kāpiti and released in 2025 as well as episodes of TV series The Brokenwood Mysteries, 800 Words, Nancy Wake: The White Mouse, Outrageous Fortune and many other NZ TV series interviewed by Natala, a local script writer, director and interviewer.
Format 1 hour, 30 mins questions, afternoon tea
6 May
Operation Writer: Crossing the medical/literary divide
Local GP and author Lucy O'Hagan and writer Carl Shuker in conversation with local health commentator Ian Powell
How can literature support medicine and vice versa? Does narrative writing help to develop empathy? How does your medical experience influence your creativity? Can you apply a story based formula to improve understanding of patient needs? Could this be applied in health policy?
Followed by Lucy O’Hagan’s one-woman show.
13 May
Why murder? Why not?!
Kāpiti crime writers Kim Hunt and Ann Chapman in conversation with Jan Jordan
Crime writers explore their craft with criminologist and author Jan Jordan.
This session asks:
- Why write crime, and whose voice do we prioritise?
- Can crime writing provide the justice that real life seldom delivers?
Format 1 hour, 30 mins questions, afternoon tea
20 May
Kāpiti, Te Rauparaha, and the women who signed the Treaty of Waitangi
A discussion between Kāpiti wāhine - Arini Loader (Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Whakaue, and Te Whānau-a-Apanui), senior lecturer in Māori history at Te Herenga Waka Victoria University, Kāpiti researcher and writer, Rewa Morgan (Te Ātiawa) and Reina Solomon (Ngāti Toa Rangatira, Te Āti Awa, Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Koata, Ngāti Tama, Ngāi Tahu) researcher, historian, environmental consultant and Treaty claims manager.
As a nation we commemorate the signing of Te Tiriti in February each year, but many iwi signed it at other times and locations across our islands. Between April and June 1840 rangatira from the Kāpiti Coast signed Te Tiriti. This session aims to give a little of the history about Te Tiriti in Kāpiti through the lives of Te Rauparaha and the rangatira wāhine signatories. Learn about their experiences as strategists, composers, military leaders, entrepreneurs and relationships with Pakeha that contributed to their legacies across Kāpiti and its waterways.
Format 1 hour, 30 mins questions, afternoon tea
Upcoming Events
Together: Alone
Participant Feedback
Pip has an amazing way of bringing people in and empowering them to write what is right for them. I saw so many light bulb moments in fellow writers across the whole weekend, and took away some huge affirmations for my own writing and process. I only wish we could have spent longer there! - Ariki Spooner
My experience validated the maxim: "Everyone has a story that only they can tell..."
A lovely weekend to connect with my writing and with other writers. Pip inspired us with her exercises while leaving us space to be.
The laughter and relaxed setting belied the depth of work taking place - Penny
As an emerging writer I found the experience very validating. In addition there were lots of tips and tricks to store away for different times, I liked the focus on writing as a practice. Having time to write and to be in my thoughts with my writing was a treasure. - Lisa Maule
Will definitely come back for more!!! Adored this retreat and the people that attended
The Together Alone weekend was amazing. Pip was an incredible instructor and it was lovely connecting with the other writers. The balance between guided sessions with Pip and free time to work on our projects worked really well for me and I'd recommend to any writer. - Melanie Newfield
Image gallery
Mocean at the Big Night Out which also featured Jess Deacon and Te Kahu Rolleston
CycleStory - travellers along the route read poems, memories of a colonial war battle and little-known facts about the expressway
Apirana Taylor performs at Storyland Adventures at St Peter's Hall in Paekākāriki
Author Sacha Cotter and illustrator Josh Morgan performing at Storyland Adventures along with Apirana Taylor
Kupu t-shirt printing at the Hori Gallery in Ōtaki Beach
Children enjoy Storyland Adventures in Paekākāriki
Children's writer Philippa Werry at the Paraparaumu Library
Putting up the signs in Ōtaki
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