Write On Masterclasses
Term 3 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.
All classes are from 9:30 to 2:30 and fully supervised
1. The Small Stuff (is important stuff!) Year 7-13
Using the small world of bugs and butterflies, we will explore some of the smaller details of writing- vocabulary choice, sentence structures and getting the details down.
Tutor: Heather McQuillan
Venue: Kaiapoi Library
Date: Friday, August 7
Times: 9:30-2:30*
Cost: $30
Supported by Waimakariri Libraries and Waimakariri Creative Communities
2. See the world like a poet Year 7-13
Join us on NZ National Poetry Day to play with language & rhythm.
See the world through a poet's eyes.
Tutor: Gail Ingram
Venue: Rangiora Town Hall
Date: Friday, August 28
Times: 9:30-2:30*
Cost: $30
Supported by Waimakariri Libraries and Waimakariri Creative Communities
3. From Sketch to Story:
Creating Characters That Come to Life Year 7-13
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.
Tutors: Sarah Greig and Heather McQuillan
Venue: Oxford Town Hall
Date: Friday, September 18
Times: 9:30-2.30*
Cost: $30
Supported by Waimakariri Libraries and Waimakariri Creative Communities
Your Tutors
Heather McQuillan is an award-winning writer of novels for young people, short stories and flash fiction.
Gail Ingram writes award-winning poetry and is a much sought-after poetry editor.
Sarah Greig is an award-winning, number 1 bestselling illustrator from Ōtautahi, 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.
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!
Notes:
Please bring pens/ paper and a device
Free WIFI on site
Bring lunch/ snacks/ water bottle
Our masterclasses are fully supervised, with Health and Safety information provided.
Places are strictly limited.