Celebrating tradition and talent: Wai Ariki embraces Māori writers

Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa recently had the honour of hosting an event for the third annual Kupu Māori Writers Festival. Held from October 16th to 19th, 2024, the festival celebrated Māori storytelling and literature, bringing together nearly 40 writers, poets and cultural leaders from across Aotearoa. 

The event at Wai Ariki highlighted the deep connection between wellness, cultural heritage and storytelling—a fitting partnership with Wai Ariki’s commitment to cultural wellness and honouring Māori traditions.

The Kupu Māori Writers Festival, launched in 2022, has quickly evolved into a significant cultural event dedicated to celebrating the voices and narratives of Māori writers, both new and established.

Set against the geothermal landscape of Rotorua, the festival aims to honour Māori literary heritage while inspiring new generations of writers. This year’s program, spanning Te Papaiouru Marae, Ōhinemutu and Te Whakarewarewa, included discussions, readings and workshops on topics such as Māori fiction, indigenous healing and the art of translation. 

Hosting this event was more than a partnership for Wai Ariki, it was a way to actively support the Kupu kaupapa (initiative) of uplifting Māori voices and sharing the richness of indigenous storytelling. Wai Ariki is dedicated to heritage and wellness which aligned seamlessly with the festival’s mission. 

Debbie Robertson, General Manager at Wai Ariki said, “We were honoured to be a part of this amazing kaupapa supporting Māori writers past, present and future. Maintaining strong links to our heritage informs a huge part of our strategy and ensures our continued embrace of the best of cultural wellness. 

“Wai Ariki’s mission is to keep Māori traditions and wellbeing practices alive, resonating with the festival’s ethos of celebrating Māori literature and cultural preservation,” Debbie concluded. 

• Learn more about the Kupu Māori Writers Festival here. 
• Discover the magic of Wai Ariki Hot Springs & Spa and reserve your experience here.