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The Escape Programme is Tauranga’s much-anticipated readers' and writers’ festival, affectionately dubbed "the little festival with big ideas".

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About

Now part of the annual Tauranga Arts Festival, the Escape Programme celebrates ideas, thinkers, writers and storytelling with a packed programme of literary talks, panel discussions, workshops, and live performances—this is the part of the Festival where you can sit back, relax and immerse in a suite of scintillating conversations.

2026 Escape Programme

We have selected some of the best storytellers from around the country to bring together right here in the heart of Tauranga for one inspirational weekend. 

We are also honoured to be hosting Dr Hinemoa Elder, author of multiple best-selling books and her latest, Ara: A Māori Guidebook of the Mind. Kiwi legend Jon Toogood of Shihad fame is joining us to talk about his life as a rock icon, anxious adult and resilient artist. We’ll hear from New Zealand’s latest crime writing sensation, Anne Cleary whose novel The Nowhere Boy is flying off the shelves. We have interactive events for young readers with a beast-making workshop inspired by a stunning new picture book Cass and the Beast. 

We’re looking forward to hosting you all and our talented writers at our brand new library! 

– Claire Mabey, Escape Programmer

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Our Escape Programme is generously supported by:

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