Many of New Zealand's leading Maori writers will gather in Wellington on 6–8 October for the 2006 Maori Writers National Hui. This year's theme is Tukua – Just Let It Go! and the keynote speeches will be given by Witi Ihimaera, Bill Manhire and Hirini Moko Mead.

Cath Fitzgerald, Apirana Taylor and Rim D Paul will run workshops in fiction, film, performance, lyric writing and storytelling. Publishers’ forums are planned, with reps from several publishing houses offering advice and commentary.

There will be two evening functions:

• On the Bus: Evening of Readings & Music on Friday 6 October will feature novelist James George.

• A Night with Puatatangi on Saturday 7 October will see Maori musicians conveying the beauty of the Maori language through their music.

Both shows start at 7pm and are open to the public, with tickets costing $10.

James George is the convenor of the event, and said

This is an excellent opportunity for Maori writers to network together and for the rest of the New Zealand literary industry to take notice ... Maori writers are supported hugely by New Zealand publishers and book readers, but we rarely have the chance to discuss important issues or celebrate our writing for ourselves.

Presented by Toi Maori Aoteaora, the hui is being held at the Mercure Hotel, and registration forms for writers are available online.