Here are some WORD Christchurch Festival events for teens to enjoy, with comments by Jemimah (Librarian - Youth at Tūranga). Check out the full programme to see all that's on offer.
Word – The Front Line High Schools Grand Slam
Wednesday 27 August 7 to 8pm
The Piano
Hear the next generation of truth talkers share their stories in an explosion of youth expression as they battle it out to be Grand Slam Champions. Word – The Front Line is Ōtautahi Christchurch’s inter-High School Poetry Slam. More than a poetry slam, Word – The Front Line is a celebration of the future artists, leaders, and legends of Aotearoa New Zealand.
In partnership with Action Education.
This event is proudly supported by The Piano’s Next Generation Fund.
Jemimah's comments:
"A personal favourite of mine - Poetry! I have a deep love of poetry since attending my first poetry event in 2020 and since then, I’ve enjoyed hearing spoken word poetry so I’m very excited to be attending this event and seeing our rangatahi shine through their words, their stories and their performances. This is a wonderful event for like-minded rangatahi and their whānau or those who would like to get inspired by their peers. Come along to see high school students tell their stories through spoken word poetry in this riveting evening of young talent to find the next grand slam champion. Their words will move you and I’m sure it will leave your young people with powerful thoughts and ideas."
Meet the Bookwitch
28 to 31 August, varying times
Tūranga
The Book Witch will use her crystal ball, magical powers, and tarot cards to help match curious young adult readers with the books of their dreams. You will be spellbound by her suggestions that will send you on a reading journey of literary enchantment.
Jemimah's comments:
"The book witch is here to find the books that are calling to you. Have your book palm read and be gifted by the kind witch, some personalised recommendations for you to borrow. Whether you are after a specific genre, or are after something new, the book witch will find the book for you. Please check the Christchurch City Libraries website for session times.
Living Books: The Voices of Hip-Hop
Thursday 28 August 6pm to 8pm
Tūranga
Sit down and kōrero with emerging and established Hip-hop artists from Aotearoa New Zealand. Discover how Māori and Pasifika have embraced Hip-hop culture as a powerful form of expression, identity and resistance, echoing the artform’s global roots in struggle and storytelling.
Book (Fight) Club (Teen Edition)
Saturday 30 August 2pm to 3.30pm
Cloisters Studio, The Arts Centre Te Matatiki Toi Ora
It’s a book club…..for teens.
It’s a fight club…..for teens.
It’s a book fight club….for teens.
Peter Pan vs Katniss.
Holden Caulfield vs Geronimo Stilton.
Charlotte’s Webb vs Artemis Fowl.
Randomly selected books enter the Literati ThunderDome for a battle to the death.
Who enters?
Who leaves?
As seen at the NZ International Comedy Festival, Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Adelaide Fringe, Auckland Writers Festival, and World Buskers Festival, El Jaguar is back hosting the most hilarious and unusual book club you’ve ever joined.
Jemimah's comments:
"A book club, a fight club... a book fight club all in one? Count me in! This sounds like such a unique idea and something to experience. El Jaguar is the host and performer for this event and this one is specifically catered to our rangatahi, showcasing young adult books. I am very excited to be attending this hilarious and imaginative show and I’m sure you and I will both leave wanting to delve into a childhood favourite that may be mentioned in the book fight club! Placed in the Arts Centre, you’ll be in the hub of the city so don’t forget to explore and enjoy a fun day out! "
Ōtautahi Zinefest
Saturday 30 and Sunday 31 August, 11am to 4pm
Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū
Come along to the fest within a fest! Ōtautahi Zinefest is a whānau friendly day celebrating zine culture, small press and self-publishing. Pick up some local zines, stickers and lovingly handcrafted ephemera in the Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū foyer during the weekend.
Active Storytelling Workshop for Teens
Sunday 31 August 11am to 2pm
Cloisters Studio, The Arts Centre Te Matatiki Toi Ora)
This 3-hour workshop is aimed at 12–16-year-olds who are interested in new ways to create stories and to enhance the ones they already have.
We focus on the connection between mind and body as we keep this workshop active and moving, unlocking the potential for spontaneous stories to be told.
Combining aspects of improv, clown, and stand up we will touch on character creation, descriptive narration, and devising on the spot.
Jemimah's comments:
"Do you enjoy writing or creating stories? Does your imagination create characters? Looking for a way to bring this all to life? As part of WORD 2025, there is an exciting new event just for rangatahi that focuses on the connection between mind and body through storytelling. This is a 3-hour workshop in the heart of the city and is an excellent opportunity for our young people to come together, share ideas and make new friends and connections in their community. This workshop explores improv, clown, stand-up, character creation, descriptive narration and devising on the spot. I’m definitely excited to see how this workshop is run! "
The Romance Of Fantasy: Andrea Eames and Rachael Craw
Sunday 31 August 2.30 to 3.30pm
Tūranga
Two spellbinding storytellers Andrea Eames (US) and Rachael Craw share insights into their captivating fantastical worlds. Craw’s The Lost Saint is a heart-pounding time travel romantic fantasy, and Eames’ cosy fantasy A Harvest of Hearts was an instant UK Sunday Times bestseller. Discover the magic behind their stories as they join Rachael King in conversation.
Jemimah's comments:
"As someone who is slowing stepping into the world of fantasy, this author discussion sounds like a perfect introduction into the genre of fantasy. Come along and meet two authors who will be discussing their new releases. Personally, I really enjoy contemporary novels, however I am partial to a cozy mystery or fantasy, so I am very excited to be hearing about Andrea Eames cozy fantasy ‘A Harvest of Hearts’. Another subgenre I really enjoy, especially in my contemporary books is a little bit of magical realism through time travel which Rachael Craw’s new book ‘The Lost Saint’ caters to! If you also think you’re not much of a fantasy reader, this event might just change your mind and open you up to some new suggestions and a deeper understanding of the intricate detailing of worldbuilding that goes into a fantasy novel.
More WORD Christchurch
Make your own picks of the festival - check the programme online or pick up a printed copy from your library:
- WORD Christchurch website
- Follow WORD Christchurch on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok
- Our WORD Christchurch 2025 page - Find books by writers coming to this year's festival
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