# Event Details

- **Event Name**: Author Talk: An evening with Witi Ihimaera
- **Event Start and End Date**: Tue, 30 Jun, 2026 at 07:00 pm – Tue, 30 Jun, 2026 at 08:30 pm
- **Event Description**: Celebrate one of Aotearoa’s most celebrated writers in an intimate evening of conversation with Witi Ihimaera at Rotorua Library. Marking the 30th anniversary of Nights in the Garden of Spain, Witi will reflect on the groundbreaking semi-autobiographical novel that explored identity, family, culture, and his experience of coming out as a gay Māori man.

Known internationally for works including The Whale Rider, Witi Ihimaera has helped shape New Zealand literature for generations through novels, short stories, screenwriting, theatre, opera, and children’s books. His work has opened doors for Māori storytelling and LGBTQIA+ visibility in Aotearoa and beyond.

This special event will explore Witi’s remarkable creative journey, the personal and political impact of storytelling, and his ongoing journey reclaiming te reo Māori. The evening will include a moderated discussion, audience questions, and opportunities for reflection on belonging, identity, whakapapa, and the power of literature to change lives.

Hosted in partnership with Rainbow Rotorua and Rotorua Library, this event welcomes readers, writers, Rainbow whānau, allies, and anyone passionate about storytelling and cultural identity.

This event is a collaboration between Rotorua Library and Rainbow Rotorua.

Big thanks to our sponsors and partners 

Bay Trust
Rotorua Trust
Lottery Grants Board 
Te Puni Kokiri
Rotorua Library, Te Aka Mauri
Friends of Rotorua Library
Rotorua Lakes Council 
Mcleods Booksellers
Penguin Random House New Zealand
- **Event URL**: https://allevents.in/rotorua/author-talk-an-evening-with-witi-ihimaera/200030215406238
- **Event Categories**: art, literary-art, storytelling, theatre
- **Interested Audience**: 
  - total_interested_count: 69

## Ticket Details


## Event venue details

- **city**: Rotorua
- **state**: BP
- **country**: New Zealand
- **location**: Rotorua Library
- **lat**: -38.135488506932
- **long**: 176.25290401311
- **full address**: Rotorua Library, 1129 Haupapa St, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand, Rotorua

## Event gallery

- **Alt text**: Author Talk: An evening with Witi Ihimaera
  - **Image URL**: https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events1/banners/0587de19a51627b8f65bde514da50800adb7f738a4bb1095e966a3d9ee35a43d-rimg-w1200-h600-dcffffff-gmir?v=1782472031

## FAQs

- **Q**: When and where is Author Talk: An evening with Witi Ihimaera being held?
  - **A:** Author Talk: An evening with Witi Ihimaera takes place on Tue, 30 Jun, 2026 at 07:00 pm to Tue, 30 Jun, 2026 at 08:30 pm at Rotorua Library, 1129 Haupapa St, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand, Rotorua.
- **Q**: Who is organizing Author Talk: An evening with Witi Ihimaera?
  - **A:** Author Talk: An evening with Witi Ihimaera is organized by Rainbow Rotorua.
- **Q**: Who is this event for? Is it right for me?
  - **A:** Author Talk: An evening with Witi Ihimaera is ideal for art lovers, collectors, creatives, and anyone inspired by visual arts, installations, and exhibitions. Whether you're a first-time attendee or a longtime enthusiast in Rotorua, this event is thoughtfully curated to deliver a standout experience worth every moment. With 60+ people already showing interest, this is clearly an event worth adding to your calendar - don't miss out.

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