Award-winning New Zealand author, Gareth Ward, will be speaking to your child about his books at Raroa Intermediate School on Friday, September 6th, 2019.

Gareth is a storytelling magician who uses his skills to entice kids into reading. And it’s working. His second novel, The Clockill and the Thief (published by Walker Books), raced up the New Zealand bestseller charts to become the third overall bestselling book on debut, with only international superstars Andy Griffiths and David Walliams ahead. 

 Gareth runs two independent bookshops in the Hawke’s Bay and moonlights as a magician – known as the Great Wardini. As well he has worked as a Royal Marine Commando, police officer, evil magician and zombie. He will talk about how his colourful past has informed his writing and sprinkle in a little magic throughout the session. 

Gareth’s first book, The Traitor and the Thief, won the 2016 Storylines Tessa Duder Award for an unpublished manuscript and was a finalist in the 2018 NZ Book Awards for Children & Young Adults. They are cracking steampunk thriller adventures for readers aged 10 to 14. 

Gareth will be delighted to sign personal copies of his books, including pre-owned, on the day. 

You can order his books before the visit by filling out the form attached and they will be available for purchase at the event.