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The Ngaio Marsh Awards, in association with Waimakariri Libraries, invite booklovers to a thrilling evening of criminally good conversation with four talented Kiwi storytellers. Crime writing has evolved from the puzzle-like mysteries of Agatha Christie and Canterbury's own Dame Ngaio Marsh to modern novels delving deeply into people, places, and psychology. It has continued to be one of the world’s most popular form of storytelling, for adults and kids alike.
Michael Gifkins Prize winner Jeffrey Buchanan will be joined by fellow Canterbury authors Marie Connolly, a 2025 Ngaio Marsh Award for Best First Novel finalist, children's bookseller and middle-grade mystery writer Kate Gordon-Smith, and award-winning Ōtautahi Christchurch YA author and teacher Heather McQuillan to discuss what inspires them as writers, and how they create memorable characters and page-turning stories.
Internationally published Oxford poet Doc Drumheller will help keep the peace and cross-examine the witnesses.
WHEN: Friday, 1 May 2025
WHERE: Rangiora Library, 141 Percival St, Waimakariri
WHEN: 5.30pm panel discussion
This is a free event, however registration is essential. Please register at any of branch of Waimakariri Libraries, or by phoning Rangiora Library on 0800 965 542, or via Facebook messenger.
Refreshments will be provided.
Jeffrey has written five novels concerned primarily with LGBTQI+ issues, SUCKING FEIJOAS being his first. He worked in international development for thirty years and lives with his husband on a remote stretch of beach in North Canterbury. His manuscript for THE BIRD'S BEGAN TO SING, a mystery mixed with coming-of-age tale set in 1960s New Zealand, won the 2024 Michael Gifkins Prize, and was published in 2025 to great reviews.
Marie is a retired academic living in Akaroa who for more than 30 years worked in university and government settings in New Zealand and overseas as a renowned expert in child welfare. She has published more than 20 academic books, several travel books for children, and in 2024 she launched her first mystery series, with DARK SKY, starring smart young criminal psychologist Nellie Prayle. A sequel, ICEFALL, will be published in May 2026.
Kate loves creating fun small-town mysteries and fantasy adventures for readers aged 7-12 all over the world to enjoy. She established the online Kiwi Kids’ Bookstore, promoting New Zealand children's authors. She lives in North Canterbury, with her husband, their red and white collie Kenzie and rescue dog Snow, a ex-racehorse called Tony, and his paddock-mate pony friend Wizzie. MADDISON MCQUEEN AND THE DISAPPEARING DOGS is the latest in her Red Collie mystery series.
Heather McQuillan is an award-winning Sumner author, poet, and short story writer. When not writing in her studio at the top of a spiral staircase Heather can be found as the Director and a tutor with Write On School for Young Writers in Ōtautahi Christchurch. Her tales for younger readers have won the Tom Fitzgibbon Award, been Storylines Notable Books, and been shortlisted for the Tessa Duder Award. Her latest book, YA thriller TRUTH NEEDS NO COLOUR, was published in 2025.
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Event Venue
141 Percival St, Rangiora 7400, New Zealand, 141 Percival St, Rangiora 7400, New Zealand, Rangiora
Tickets
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