“Going down the rabbit hole” usually means you’ve reached weird corners of the internet, or lost several hours to the whims of YouTube’s algorithm.

The perk of being a writer? You get to claim this as an integral part of the creative process.

Whether we buy that or not, don’t miss Festival writers lining up to share an unexpected topic – however niche, quirky or downright odd – that led them down the proverbial rabbit hole, and ended up being significant to their work.

Hosted by Jo Randerson and featuring SA Cosby, Tracy Farr, Daniel Hahn and Josie Shapiro.

Book tickets: https://www.ticketmaster.co.nz/event/24006454B4033FB8

Lo-fi, hand-built, fiercely independent and often with a healthy dose of humour and anarchy, zines are a fascinating form of publishing.

The history of them in Aotearoa New Zealand is equally so.

Zine expert (and the creator of the country’s longest-running zine, Incredibly Hot Sex with Hideous People) Bryce Galloway joins Jo Randerson to dive into the characters, movements and zines that comprise the form’s compelling story in this part of the world.

From the first punk-rock music zine in 1980, to the boom of zinefests in the early 21st century, Galloway will show some landmark examples and discuss why this handmade form has endured through generational, societal and technological shifts.

Book tickets: https://www.ticketmaster.co.nz/event/24006454B1B33E00

Does your career need a pivot? Talk to a dancer ...

Are resources scarce? Ask painters how they make something from nothing ...

In this dynamic theatrical lecture, celebrated artist Jo Randerson (whom Flight of the Conchords’ Bret McKenzie called “one of New Zealand’s greatest creative minds”) explores the secret powers artists use daily and shares six creative mindsets that can help us navigate our complex and changing times.

Joyful, generous, affirming, nourishing and timely, it’s the perfect way to harness all the creativity you’ve experienced at the Festival, and think about how to employ lessons from artists to create positive, lasting change in your life or work.