If you’ve never been to a book event before, it can feel like stepping into the unknown. Will everyone else have read the book? Do you need to bring anything? Will you feel out of place? At Hedley’s, we know that first-time feeling — so we’ve designed our events to be welcoming, relaxed, and full of bookish fun.
Whether you’re a passionate reader or just dipping your toes into the world of books, there’s a place for you at our events. Here’s a look at the different types of writers events we host, and a bit about what to expect.
Author Events, Writers Talks & Book Launches
Imagine listening to a favourite author talk about the story only they could tell — then getting to chat with them afterwards, book in hand, ready for a signature and maybe even a photo.
That’s exactly what our author events are about. We host everyone from fiction writers to children’s authors to inspiring non-fiction storytellers. Sometimes the events are small and intimate right here in the bookshop, and other times we go bigger with a special venue to welcome more people.
They’re a wonderful way to discover authors you might not have picked up otherwise — and to get a signed copy that makes the perfect memento or gift.
When we can, we make author talks free. However, usually we charge a small ticket price to help cover the author’s travel and accommodation costs.
Book Club: Our ‘No Pressure’ Bookish Gathering
Think of our Book Club as a cosy get-together rather than a formal meeting. Each month, our host Sue Reid shares news from the world of book and reviews three new books she loves. Then we break into smaller groups to chat, with some discussion questions that work whether you’ve read the books or not – or just chat about anything else that comes up — in a warm, inclusive atmosphere.
There’s no pressure to have read the books (in fact, most people come just to hear about something new!). You can speak up or simply listen in — either way, you’ll leave with ideas for your next great read and maybe even a few new friends.
We charge a small ticket price for Book Club, which includes a glass of wine and a snack, plus you’ll get 10% off purchases on the night.
Community Fundraiser Events
Some of our most memorable events combine books with giving back. Every year, we host at least one event at the Copthorne to raise funds for causes close to home.
In the past, we’ve raised money for the Golden Shears bid to host the World Shearing Champs with Sam Whitelock, the new Wellington Free Ambulance station with Ross Taylor, and Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre with Ian Foster.
These events come with a higher ticket price, with all proceeds going to the chosen cause. They often include an auction, great conversation, and the feel-good factor of knowing every ticket sold helps the community thrive.
Book Festivals: The ultimate literary experience
Festival time brings a special buzz, and the Wairarapa is lucky to play host to two major literary festivals. Featherston Booktown – for which we are the Official Festival Bookseller and our very own, Yarns in Barns: Wairarapa Festival of Reading.
Spanning several days or even weeks, they’re a chance to immerse yourself in the book world — discovering new authors, attending author talks, and sharing the joy of reading with others.
Book just one event or attend them all – book festivals offer plenty of choice.
Wairarapa Bookshop Hop: A Book Lover’s Treasure Hunt
Each year on NZ Bookshop Day, we join forces with other local bookshops for the Wairarapa Bookshop Hop — a day-long adventure where book lovers visit multiple shops, collect stamps, enjoy special activities, and soak up the bookish atmosphere across the region.
This self-guided experience can be completed at your own pace. Just pick up a passport from a participating shop and hop your way around the region’s 13 brilliant bookshops to discover their unique treasures.
Special Music Events: Where Books & Music Come Together
At Hedley’s, we love music as much as we love books. Through our Rare and Collectable Editions, we’ve been lucky enough to host some of the biggest names in music for very special events.
It all began in the eighties when David Hedley co-published the autobiography of Beatles’ publicist, Derek Taylor called Fifty Years Adrift with the UK’s Genesis Publications. Somehow, he convinced George Harrison to come to New Zealand and Australia to help promote it!
Since then, we’ve continued our relationship with Genesis Publications and have held pop-up exhibitions and events across the country — and even around the world — with artists like Mick Fleetwood, Jeff Beck, Ringo Starr, and more.
Want to be first to hear about these once-in-a-lifetime occasions? Sign up to our Rare & Collectable Editions list to make sure you’re on the invite list.
Join Us at an Upcoming Event
No matter the event, one thing stays the same: the atmosphere. Friendly faces, interesting conversations, and the joy of discovering books together make each gathering feel special. You’ll meet new people, learn something new, and leave feeling inspired — whether you’ve been reading all your life or just starting out.
So, if you’ve been wondering what a book event is like… the best way to find out is to come along.
See what’s coming up next on our Events Page — we’d love to welcome you.