New Plymouth author Steph Julian has been announced as Puke Ariki’s first-ever writer in residence.
The residency coincides with Aotearoa New Zealand Children’s Book Week, running from August 15 to 21. Julian (Ngāti Porou ki Harataunga) will spend the week based at the central city library. She plans to work on her next novel while opening up her creative process to the public through workshops and interactive events.
The initiative aims to turn the New Plymouth District Council facility into a space where tamariki and rangatahi can create their own stories alongside a published author.
Julian brings a wealth of experience to the role as a communications specialist and former teacher. Her short stories, poetry and articles have featured in publications across New Zealand, Australia and the United Kingdom. Her debut middle-grade novel, Penny Pounamu and the Disappearing Tigers, is scheduled for release by Huia Publishers later this year.
She says she is looking forward to sharing her passion for storytelling with the Taranaki community.
"I can’t wait to spend a whole week in our fabulous library," Julian says. "I feel very honoured to have the privilege of working with young creative storytellers in our community and to support them on their own writing journeys."
Julian adds that sharing stories has always been hugely important to her, making the opportunity to be a resident writer during Children’s Book Week feel very special.
Puke Ariki Library Programming and Community Engagement Lead Rebecca Beyer says securing an author of Julian's calibre for the inaugural residency is a wonderful opportunity for the region.
"The residency invites our tamariki and rangatahi to see themselves as storytellers, and reinforces that the library can be a place where stories grow and are shared," Beyer says.
Several public events are planned throughout the week. Visitors can hear an early reading from Julian's upcoming book and join a colouring competition on Saturday afternoon. A collaborative book creation session inspired by magical forests follows on Sunday, where children are encouraged to dress as forest animals for a chance to win spot prizes. Senior high school students will also have the opportunity to build their skills during a dedicated creative writing workshop on Tuesday morning.
Library visitors are welcome to drop in during the week to chat with Julian and learn more about the writing process.
Puke Ariki opened in 2003 as a combined library and museum, standing on a former prominent pā site in central New Plymouth.
