WORD Christchurch 2023

A festival of books, storytelling and ideas.

WORD Christchurch brings communities together through a love of words in all their forms, giving Ōtautahi Christchurch audiences direct access to the best storytellers and writers in Aotearoa New Zealand and from around the world. It’s a chance to share ground-breaking ideas, and Ngāi Tahu stories, and an opportunity for local writers to create new work.

The UC community has supported WORD since it began in 1997 and three years ago UC formalised this relationship by becoming a proud sponsor this popular local literary festival.

  • WORD Christchurch 2023 takes place from 23-27 August with more than 70 events over five days at the Piano, Tūranga and other venues. You can find the full programme here.

The programme is packed with talented UC staff and alumni. Find out more here

Turning Points: 150 years of University of Canterbury history

We are particularly excited about UC’s 150th anniversary panel session with UC leaders, mana whenua and historians. This will be a frank approach to discussing the history of Aotearoa New Zealand’s second oldest university through the challenges and triumphs of the years. Find out more here.  

School’s Day

At UC, we’re delighted to host the WORD Schools Day on 28 August, which presents a stunning line-up of speakers to an expected 700 attendees from local schools and online. Find out more about The Read Aloud Schools Day session 1 and The Read Aloud Schools Day session 2.

To bring your students to the free Schools Day, email schools@wordchristchurch.co.nz.

WORD Christchurch 2023, UC Partnerships