Author Emily Perkins in conversation with Queenstown journalist

The winner of New Zealand’s top literary prize, Emily Perkins, is visiting Queenstown and Wānaka as part of a special Queenstown Writers Festival presentation.

Ms Perkins won the Ockham Award for fiction in 2023 with her critically acclaimed satire of Wellington high society, Lioness.

In conversation with Queenstown-based journalist and festival trustee Debbie Jamieson she will contemplate the unravelling of middle-aged women, class privilege in New Zealand and peeing outside.

Ms Perkins says her novels are influenced by the phrase “every story should contain the facts of blood and money”.

They are funny, critically acclaimed and impossible to put down.

Festival chair Tanya Surrey says trustees are delighted to be welcoming Ms Perkins to the region.

“We have proudly hosted several previous Ockham winners and when we were told Emily would be unavailable during this year’s festival, we invited her to join us in launching our programme.”  

Two events will be held – one in Queenstown and one in Wānaka, made possible by supporters Next Chapter Wanaka and Bookety Book Books.

Each will include wine, nibbles, and an exclusive insight into this year's Queenstown Writers Festival.

Held over three days – from November 1 to 3 at Te Atamira – this year’s festival will be the biggest yet with more than 20 visiting writers, including non-fiction writers, poets, theatre, novelists, children’s writers, kiwi icons, and literary legends.

In addition to on-stage conversations, there will be writing workshops, a book launch, a panel, a short story competition and the return of the popular Sampler Session with local writers.

Ms Surrey says the festival is their most ambitious and wide-ranging yet.

"The trustees have spent several months collating a vibrant and dynamic programme that we hope will cater to a wide range of people.

"The festival is about celebrating stories - we aim to inspired and enthral our audiences."

Her advice to would-be attendees: “Be in early. We anticipate many events will sell out.”

The full Queenstown Writers Festival programme will be available at qtwritersfestival.nz from September 8 with links to tickets sales on Eventfinda.

Tickets to see Emily Perkins and attend the Queenstown Writers Festival Launch in Queenstown on September 8 are available at Eventfinda.

Tickets to see Emily Perkins and attend the Queenstown Writers Festival Launch in Wānaka on September 9 are available at the Bookety Book Books website and Next Chapter Wānaka.

The events are supported by Two Paddocks Wines, the Rees Hotel and Bloomsbury.