Students' experiences of west Auckland to be published
Tamati at Outside the Square’s Rutherford College writing workshop
Publication to feature stories from west Auckland high school students.
Outside the Square is proud to launch the first publication from west Auckland secondary school writing project, Write Here, Write Now!, at the 2018 Going West Writers Festival on:
Saturday 8 September, 2pm at Henderson Council Chambers, 6 Henderson Valley Road.
Outside the Square is a project funded by the Henderson-Massey Local Board to support community arts in Henderson.
In June 2018 Outside the Square ran two high school writing workshops. The schools chosen for this pilot programme were Henderson High School and Rutherford College.
Writing teachers Paula Morris, Ruby Porter and Rachel O'Connor delivered a five-week programme with pupils from years 9 to 13. Classes were held weekly with 12 to 15 pupils in each class. The workshops focused on creative, nonfiction writing based on students’ personal experiences in the Henderson-Massey Local Board area.
The best work has been compiled in an anthology of writing and photography that provides a unique window into contemporary west Auckland.
“These short pieces are intense, imaginative and often funny, exploring the streets, playgrounds and people of the area,” says Paula Morris, an award-winning novelist and Associate Professor at the University of Auckland, who selected and edited students' work for publication.
“They reveal the diverse points of view of the young writers and the way they connect with and make sense of the city.”
Henderson-Massey Local Board Chair Shane Henderson says, “This project celebrates the unique character of our board area.”
“I’m particularly proud that this year we are focussing on youth and nurturing the next generation of west Auckland writers.”
The workshops and publication are fully supported by the Henderson-Massey Local Board. Free copies of the booklet will be available at the launch.