SHOW INFORMATION

JACINDA ARDERN & GRANT ROBERTSON:
In conversation with Stacey Morrison (Te Arawa, Ngāi Tahu)

PRESENTED BY DUNEDIN WRITERS AND READERS FESTIVAL

The Dunedin Writers & Readers Festival is proud to present one of the most remarkable events of 2026: Jacinda Ardern and Grant Robertson — two of New Zealand’s most consequential political figures and genuine old friends — sharing a stage for the first time in Ōtepoti Dunedin since leaving office.

This is the only currently planned South Island event on Ardern’s New Zealand book tour and, quite simply, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime event.

They navigated some of the most turbulent and tragic chapters in New Zealand’s modern history together — a global pandemic, a terror attack, a volcanic eruption — and the relentless demands of governing a country through extraordinary times. Now, with the pressure of office behind them and two candid, acclaimed memoirs in bookstores worldwide, Ardern and Robertson will do what old friends do: sit down, look back, and chat.

The evening will be hosted by the incomparable Stacey Morrison (Te Arawa, Ngāi Tahu) — broadcaster, journalist, and one of Aotearoa’s most gifted and warmly regarded conversationalists.

This promises to be an evening unlike anything else on Aotearoa’s cultural calendar this year — intimate, honest, and utterly unmissable. Expect laughter, candour, and the kind of conversation that can only happen between two people who have been through it all together.

NOTE: While this is not a formally age-restricted event, please be aware that the content may include adult language and themes. As such, it is recommended for mature audiences, and anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

If you have any questions about the information below, please contact the Regent Theatre Box Office – (03) 477 8597.

EVENT TIMINGS

Box Office Open: 11am – 4pm & 6:30 – 7:30pm (please collect any tickets from the Box Office prior to the event day)
Venue and Auditorium Doors Open: 6:30pm
Event Starts: 7:30pm
Lock Out: No admittance to auditorium after 7:40pm
Duration: 75 min (no interval)

SECURITY

Your safety and comfort are important to us. As this is a high-profile event, a number of additional security measures will be in place.

Please arrive early to allow plenty of time to go through the security screening process.

• Venue and Auditorium doors will open at 6:30pm.

• No public admittance will be granted after 7:40pm.

• Security screening will be in place for this event. All patrons will undergo a bag check and a security wand scan. Please expect delays when entering the venue.

• Bags larger than A4 size will not be permitted inside the venue. We encourage you to leave any bags at home.

• Patrons will not be readmitted if they choose to leave the venue during the event.

• Photography and filming of any kind are strictly prohibited.

• Please be respectful of the speakers and fellow audience members. Anyone causing a disruption will be removed from the venue immediately.

PROHIBITED ITEMS

We recommend you leave all non-essential items at home. Security reserves the right to confiscate any items deemed inappropriate for the event.
NOTE: We cannot guarantee the return of any confiscated items.

The following items are not permitted to be brought into the venue:

• Bags larger than A4.

• Bulky jackets and umbrellas.

• Signs or banners.

• Laser pointers.

• Cameras or recording devices (other than phones).

• Food or drink items.

• Bottles (including water bottles, aerosols, perfume bottles).

• Any other items that may pose a safety risk (at the discretion of security staff).