Write On Masterclasses
Term 2 2026​
​Join us for a fabulous day of writing and creating.
Unless indicated otherwise, our masterclasses are open to all young writers in Years 7-13.
Please note that the cost of the workshops varies due to funding.
All classes are from 9:30 to 2:30 and fully supervised
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1. Dialogue: "It's not just what is said!"
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Explore ways to let dialogue tell the story tucked “between the lines.” Learn some fabulous techniques to reveal character, relationships and plot through dialogue.
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Tutors: Philomena Johnson
Venue: Rangiora Town Hall
Date: Friday, May 1
Times: 9:30-2:30*
Cost: $30
Supported by Waimakariri Libraries and Waimakariri Creative Communities
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2. S4P Spoken Word Poetry Year 7-13
This year's theme for Speaking 4 The Planet is ‘Feast for the Future’ and is informed by SDG 2 - Zero Hunger: seeking solutions to hunger and food insecurity.
Please note that all students who attend this workshop do so on the understanding that they will make an entry to the Speaking 4 The Planet Spoken Word Poetry competition.
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Tutor: Ray Shipley
Venue: WEA Building, Gloucester Street
Date: Friday, May 1
Times: 9:30-2:30*
Cost: $10
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Supported by Speaking 4 The Planet
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3. S4P Speechwriting Year 7-13
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This year's theme for Speaking 4 The Planet is ‘Feast for the Future’ and is informed by SDG 2 - Zero Hunger: seeking solutions to hunger and food insecurity.
Please note that all students who attend this workshop do so on the understanding that they will make an entry to the Speaking 4 The Planet Speech competition.
Tutor: Heather McQuillan
Venue: TÅ«ranga, Auaahi Hihi Ground Floor
Date: Friday, May 8
Times: 9:30-2:30*
Cost: $10
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Supported by Speaking 4 The Planet
​​​​​4. From Sketch to Story:
Creating Characters That Come to Life Year 7-13
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Ever wondered how comic book characters are born?
Join illustrator Sarah Grieg and writer Heather McQuillan, where you’ll create your own unique comic character and build an original story around them. By the end of the session, you’ll have your own illustrated story — and the skills to keep creating long after the workshop ends.
Perfect for young creators who love to draw, write, and invent worlds of their own.
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Tutors: Sarah Greig and Heather McQuillan
Venue: TÅ«ranga, Auaahi Hihi Ground Floor
Date: Friday, June 12
Times: 9:30-2.30*
Cost: $30
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Supported by Christchurch Creative Communities and Christchurch Libraries
6. Wild, Weird and Wonderful Year 7-13
Tired of boring writing? Explore ways to make your writing leap off the page with surprises.
Connect with your inner “quirky”!
Tutors: Desna Wallace
Venue: Kaiapoi Library
Date: Friday, June 19
Times: 9:30-2:30*
Cost: $30​
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Supported by Waimakariri Libraries and Waimakariri Creative Communities
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Your Tutors
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Ray Shipley is a ÅŒtautahi-based comedian, poet, and professional book-pusher. In 2019, Ray was nominated for the Billy T Award, the biggest award for the rising stars of comedy in Aotearoa. Ray has won the Christchurch Poetry Slam four times, and placed third nationally in 2018.
Heather McQuillan is an award-winning writer of novels for young people, short stories and flash fiction.
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Sarah Greig is an award-winning, number 1 bestselling illustrator from Otautahi, Christchurch. She was awarded the inaugural Margaret Mahy Illustration Prize in 2019 for The Boy With Two Shadows. Sarah spends her days creating art primarily in watercolour and dip pen.
Desna Wallace is a librarian, blogger, book reviewer, author and poet. She loves short-form writing, verse novels and teaching young writers.​ She is an award-winning writer of microfiction.
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Schools: limited to 6 places per school ( see booking form)
Please note that we can run a masterclass at your school if you have 16 or more students!
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Notes:
Please bring pens/ paper and a device
Free WIFI on site
Bring lunch/ snacks/ water bottle
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Our masterclasses are fully supervised, with Health and Safety information provided.
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Places are strictly limited.