This panel is for those with an interest in illustration and publishing, and gathers a collective of New Zealand authors, illustrators and designers together to answer questions on their works and the industry. You’ll enjoy a glass of wine and platter food while our chair Nicola Daly, senior lecturer in children’s literature and language teaching at the University of Waikato, drives the conversation.

Best known for her bestselling Kuwi the Kiwi and the internationally published Kiwicorn book series, Kat Merewether also owns an educational resource design business, Design on Q, and the publishing company Illustrated Publishing. She has illustrated over 20 titles in her 15 years in the industry.

Publishing over 100 books in 31 countries, translated into 18 languages, and with 18 books in the New Zealand bestsellers list, Donovan Bixley knows what he’s talking about. Donovan has won awards for his work as an illustrator, writer and designer, and has won the Overall Children’s Choice, Best Illustration, and Best Junior Fiction awards at The New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults.

Angela Keoghan’s school years were spent showing the world through art, photography, design and drawing. In 2002 she received a Bachelor of Media Arts with Honours majoring in Photography at Wintec and started her freelance life. Angela returns to her Wintec roots as an award-winning global illustrator, including a Tui for Best Album Cover in the Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards; a Bronze in the 2017 3×3 International Picture Book Show; and a 2018 Storylines Notable Book Award for Inspector Brunswick published by the TATE Modern.

You might know him for his 12-year-long career in the media industry as an editor and journalist, but did you know James Russell has also authored and published five children’s books? His titles include The Dragon Brothers trilogy of picture books, and two junior novels: The Dragon Defenders, books one and two. James has most recently appeared at the Auckland Writers Festival and has an augmented reality app that comes to 3D life.

Following the chaired session you’ll have a chance to ask your own questions and copies of their books will be available at the Spark Market at the Hub throughout the week.

This event is in conjunction with Hamilton Book Month and will take place at The Long Room, Wintec House, Wintec City Campus, Hamilton. Panel starts at 5.30pm however you are welcome to come along from 5pm for a drink and nibbles.

This event is free, however please register for catering purposes. No ID required as this event is open to the community.