I’m delighted to be hosting the St Cuthbert’s 2026 Literary Evening for the third year in a row—an event open to everyone, not just those with a connection with the school. It will be a wonderful evening for book lovers and anyone whose cup is filled by great conversation, ideas, and the company of creative minds. This year’s event promises to be an inspiring gathering featuring four esteemed panellists and a remarkable student author. Book clubs are warmly welcome, so bring your group and make a night of it!
Date: Friday 14 August 2026
Venue: Joan Holland Auditorium
Address: St Cuthbert’s College, 122 Market Road, Epsom
Time: 6.30pm arrival for a 7.00pm start, concluding at 9.00pm
Format: Cash bar and complimentary nibbles.
Tickets: $30 Adult, $15 Student
- Kate De Goldi: One of New Zealand’s most respected writers, currently serving as Te Awhi Rito (New Zealand’s Reading Ambassador). Kate has more than ten acclaimed books to her name, as well as numerous national and international awards.
- Jessy Wu: Author of the gripping love story Good Intentions, Jessy is a Sydney-based writer, entrepreneur, and regular columnist for the Australian Financial Review, as well as the founder of Encour, a strategic communications agency specialising in the tech sector.
- Sophie van Waardenberg: Author of the poetry collection, No Good, which won the 2026 Ockham New Zealand Book Award Jessie Mackay Prize for Poetry, and explores girlhood, grief, and loss, Sophie holds an MFA from Syracuse University, and her work has been published widely in literary journals.
- Lisa Hamilton-Gibbs: Children’s book author and founder of icandy Publishing, known for works including The Gubyllub — a New Zealand Police-supported resource on kindness and bullying. Lisa is currently working on a memoir.
- Jackie Xu: A current Year 12 student and winner of the 2025 Year 11 Writing Award.
Hosting the evening will be the wonderful Caroline Barron (Barley) — an Old Girl (1993), current St Cuthbert’s parent, and author of Ripiro Beach and Golden Days — who will guide us through a night of insightful conversations and literary magic.
Books will be for sale on the night through our good friends at Time Out Bookstore. As an added treat, two lucky ticket holders on the night will win a stack of books valued at $100+ each.
All proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the Old Girls’ Association Scholarship Fund, directly supporting the next generation of talented young women at St Cuthbert’s College. We look forward to sharing this special evening with you. Please click this link to secure your tickets today and join us in celebrating our vibrant literary community!
