The wraps are off the 2006 Going West Books & Writers Festival, with possibly the best-ever line-up of New Zealand literary exponents. It’ll be held from Wednesday 30 August until Saturday 23 September in Titirangi, West Auckland.

Once again, organiser Murray Gray (of Titirangi's landmark Gone West bookshop) has served up a treat. The centrepiece event is the Books & Writers Weekend, from Friday 15 to Sunday 17 September, called The Truth About Stories.

After the traditional Friday night Powhiri, Jenny Bornholdt, the current Te Mata Estate Poet Laureate, will give the traditional ‘Curnow Reading’ – the first event of the festival, named after the late poet Alan Curnow.

Then Patricia Grace, novelist and short story writer, will present the keynote address and offer her response to the theme of the weekend: ‘All people of all ages need their own stories which define and describe them telling them who they are, where they come from, where they belong and what their behaviours should be.”

On Saturday Glenn Colquhoun will read from his latest poetry collection. Writer, painter and curator Gregory O’Brien will chat to West Auckland poet Paula Green. Poet, editor and musician Chris Price will read from her new book Brief Lives (highly recommended by LeafSalon). And a trio of reviewers will argue whether ‘The best critics needn’t be right, just interesting’. (Damn right - Ed.)

After lunch, Jenny Bornholdt (pictured) and Gregory O’Brien return to read in tandem as husband-and-wife. Graphic novel artist Dylan Horrocks talks to Physics Professor Tony Signal about the crossover of science and fiction. Patricia Grace returns, in conversation with Paula Morris.

There’s a quick break for afternoon tea to build your energy back up again for three of the best Pacifika women poets – Tusitala Marsh, Tusiata Avia and Karlo Mila – introduced by Cherie Barford. The Saturday finishes with one of our most acclaimed artists, Jacqueline Fahey, in conversation with the ubiquitous Gregory O’Brien.

Sunday is certainly not a day of rest out West: Paula Morris, Kate Camp (pictured) and Ian Wedde will be individually preaching the good word. Then three of New Zealand’s best young adult fiction writers – Bernard Beckett, Sarah Ell and David Hill – congregate after lunch for the Smells Like Teen Spirit session.

The final stretch on the Sunday afternoon is occupied by Australian writer Anna Funder (Stasiland) in conversation with Chris Price, followed by Julian Novitz in conversation with David Larsen. Kim Hill’s producer Chris Bourke reveals the pitfalls and roadblocks in researching musical history in New Zealand, and Hammond Gamble brings the festival to a close with an electrifying dose of the Blues.

Sounds good? Check out the full programme here or call 09 836 8000 ext 8167 to get your tickets.