First-ever writer in residence brings stories to life at Puke Ariki

Local children’s author Steph Julian (Ngāti Porou ki Harataunga) has been announced as Puke Ariki’s first‑ever writer in residence, with the residency coinciding with Aotearoa New Zealand Children’s Book Week, 15–21 August 2026.

The residency will transform NPDC’s Puke Ariki Library into a place where stories aren’t just read - they’re created. Tamariki (children) and rangatahi (youth) will have the chance to explore storytelling through hands-on experiences to create their own works, alongside a published author. Emerging young writers will be given tips and tricks to develop their writing.

Steph will be based at Puke Ariki Library in New Plymouth during the week, developing her next novel, and opening up her creative process through public events and workshops that invite tamariki and rangatahi to take part.

A New Plymouth-based writer, communications specialist and former teacher, Steph has had short stories, poetry and articles published in New Zealand, Australia and the United Kingdom. Her debut middle‑grade novel, Penny Pounamu and the Disappearing Tigers, is due to be released by Huia Publishers later this year.

Steph says she is looking forward to sharing her love of books and stories with the community.

“I can’t wait to spend a whole week in our fabulous library. I feel very honoured to have the privilege of working with young creative storytellers in our community and to support them on their own writing journeys. Sharing stories has always been hugely important to me, so being a writer in residence at Puke Ariki Library during Children’s Book Week feels very special.”

The residency is a first for Puke Ariki Libraries.

“Having an author of Steph’s calibre as our inaugural Writer in Residence during the first Aotearoa New Zealand Children’s Book Week is a wonderful opportunity for our community,” says Library Programming and Community Engagement Lead Rebecca Beyer. “The residency invites our tamariki and rangatahi to see themselves as storytellers, and reinforces that the library can be a place where stories grow and are shared.”

As part of the residency, Steph will deliver a range of public programmes, including:

• Saturday 15 August, 2–3pm
  Author reading and colouring competition
  
  Be among the first to hear a reading from Penny Pounamu and the Disappearing Tigers before its release and take part in a colouring competition with spot prizes.

• Sunday 16 August, 2–3pm
  Create a library book: Inside the Magical Forest
  Step into a world of imagination and help create a collaborative book inspired by magical forests. Dress as a forest animal and be in to win spot prizes.
• Tuesday 18 August, 10am–12.30pm
  Creative writing workshop for senior students
  Senior students (Years 11–13) can build their writing skills and learn practical tips for getting published in this hands‑on workshop. Local high schools will be invited to participate.

Visitors are encouraged to drop in during the week to chat with Steph, explore the writing process, and experience the library as a place where creativity happens in real time.

At a glance

• Puke Ariki, meaning Hill of Chiefs, stands on a former prominent pā site in central New Plymouth.
• It opened in 2003 as a combined library and museum – an innovative storehouse for Taranaki’s taonga and stories.
• The museum presents both long-term and continually changing exhibitions across six gallery spaces.
• Puke Ariki Library and the Community Libraries offer many events designed to foster a love of reading, learning, and connection.

Caption: Local author Steph Julian (Ngāti Porou ki Harataunga) has been appointed Puke Ariki and Community Libraries’ first-ever writer in residence. Image credit: Tammie Pittwood