New Zealand is going to be hosting the third International Indigenous Authors Celebration Tour between the 3–13 March. Named Honouring Words, (Whakatairanga i te Kupu) this annual event was initiated in 2002 by Canadian poet, publisher and all-round literary powerhouse Kateri Akiwenzie-Damm to take the work of her fellow native Americans to the world. She’s was joined by Aborigine and Maori writers and the concept took off.

The 2003 tour was hosted by Australia to great acclaim. Now it's our turn, and Te Ha, the Contemporary Maori Writers committee of Toi Maori Aotearoa have put together a great programme of literary events and visits to Wananga (Maori universities) marae, museums, libraries and schools throughout the North Island of New Zealand.

The guests will include:

Canadian writers
Thomas King, novelist, broadcaster, comedian
Marilyn Dumont (Cree, Métis), poet
Sharon Shorty, (Tlingit, Northern Tutchone, Norwegian), storyteller, playwright, actor

Australian writers
Kenny Laughton (Aboriginal), novelist
Kerry Reed-Gilbert (Wiradjuri), poet
Jared Thomas (Nukunu), novelist, playwright

Maori writers
Hinemoana Baker (Ngati Raukawa, Ngati Toa Rangatira, Te Ati Awa, Kai Tahu, Ngati Kiritea), poet, playwright, musician
Joe Harawira (Ngati Maniapoto, Ngai te Rangi, Ngati Awa), storyteller
Robert Sullivan (Nga Puhi), poet

Guest writers include:
James George (Nga Puhi), novelist
Patricia Grace (Ngati Toa, Ngati Raukawa and Te Atiawa), novelist, short story writer
Briar Grace-Smith (Nga Puhi, Ngati Wai), playwright, fiction writer
Apirana Taylor, poet, playwright

Have a look at Toi Maori Aoteoroa for more info about the writers, dates and times. This will be a lit tour with a difference and definitely one to be supported.