Storylines is delighted to present an afternoon of creativity, imagination and inspiration at our Story Sparks Writing and Illustration Workshops as part of the Storylines Hawkes Bay Story Tour.
This special event offers young writers and young illustrators (Yr3 – Yr13) the chance to learn directly from some of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most talented authors and illustrators.
📅 Date: Saturday 23 May 2026
🕐 Duration: 1.5 hours
📍 Venue: Multiple venues – check below for details
💲 Cost: $10 per participant except Illustration workshop $5
Join us for an afternoon filled with hands-on workshops, new skills and plenty of inspiration to spark your next great story or artist.
Lift Another Voice – Sponsor a Seat
Help open the door for a young storyteller. By sponsoring a seat, you can purchase a ticket that enables a child from a local school – where the workshop is being held – to attend and take part. Your support gives them the chance to explore their creativity, build confidence and experience the joy of storytelling alongside others. It’s a simple act that can spark a lifelong love of reading, writing or illustrating.
Pay it forward and help lift another voice!
Sponsor a Workshop. Inspire Young Creators.
Are you a children’s publisher, community organisation, business or writing group looking to make a real impact?
For just $300, you can sponsor an entire Storylines Story Sparks Workshop – giving tamariki and rangatahi the opportunity to learn from leading Aotearoa New Zealand authors and illustrators. ✍️🎨📚
Your support helps remove barriers, sparks creativity, and encourages the next generation of storytellers.
💛 Help fill every seat with imagination and opportunity.
Interested in becoming a workshop sponsor? Get in touch today!
Justin Christopher
Time: 12.30pm
Venue: Hastings War Memorial Library
For: Yr3-Yr6
Write About Anything and Everything
Be Free – make mistakes – because there is no such thing as a bad idea!
Bring a writing pad/ book and pen.
Supported by:
Sharleen Forbes
Time: 12.30pm
Taradale Primary School
For: Yr5-Yr8
Writing and Illustrating Picture Books
Te tuhituhi me te whakaahua pukapuka pikitia
Participants will be given guidelines for drafting text or pictures. They will work in small groups on a given theme. Finally, a writer and an illustrators will work together on their own idea (some options will be given)
Bring a writing pad/ book and pen. This wanting the draw may like to bring felt tips.
Supported by: Taradale Primary School
Heather McQuillan
Time: 12.30pm
Venue: Hastings War Memorial Library
For: Yr7-Yr13
Momentum: Getting your story moving!
We will explore how action functions as both plot engine and character development, and experiment with moments of choice, conflict and consequence to create scenes that move and matter.
Bring a writing pad/ book and a pen (devices okay but not essential)
Supported by:
Story Hemi-Morehouse
Time: 12.30pm
Te Huinga Wai – The Knowledge and Learning Hub
For: Yr3-Yr7
How to be an Illustrator
Explore style, character, and visual storytelling in this hands-on workshop. Experiment with techniques, try creative prompts and learn how to turn ideas into finished illustrations. 🎨
Bring a writing pad/ book, pencils, colour pencils, erasure and sharpener.
Supported by:
Don’t miss this exciting opportunity!
Whether you love writing or drawing, these workshops will help you grow your skills, meet other creative tamariki and rangatahi, and learn from inspiring mentors.
👉 Complete the form below to register your place.
What to bring: Water bottle, snacks, and something to write on (pen/paper or device). Illustration attendees should bring their favourite illustration tools (which can be pen/pencils or a device)