Whanganui, Aotearoa’s UNESCO City of Design welcomes us this spring for a weekend celebrating
letterpress printing, bookbinding, and the wider world of creative publishing. Whether
you’re an AHP or ABC member, a practising maker, or simply curious about the book
arts, you’re warmly invited to join us in Whanganui from 18–20 September 2026.
A WEEKEND OF CRAFT, COMMUNITY, AND DISCOVERY
Our programme begins on Friday afternoon with special access to collection material at
the Whanganui Regional Museum, Alexander Library, and Sarjeant Gallery. Curatorial
staff will share books, prints, and publications that are “not normally available to the
public,” offering a rare behind-the-scenes look at local archives.
From 5.45pm on Friday, everyone is welcome at the Rutland Arms for an informal
meetup — first come, first served, stay for dinner if you wish.
Saturday and Sunday start gently with coffee or brunch at local cafés, perfect for
reconnecting with old friends and meeting new ones.
Saturday concludes with the Wayzgoose Dinner at the Brick House Restaurant,
complete with guest speaker and auction. Bookings will open closer to the event.
REGISTRATION (new for 2026)
Our new online registration form is now live, and we’re giving everyone early notice so you can plan your weekend.
Registration fee: $15 per person (non‑refundable), payable when booking online.
What you’ll receive: each registrant will receive two special gifts at check‑in:
- First Impressions — History of Printing in Hawke’s Bay by Laraine Knight
- A freshly cast 48pt Italic ampersand
Why we ask you to register: your registration helps us plan for:
- Friday collection talks
- Friday drinks/meal at the Rutland Arms
- Saturday coffee/brunch
- Saturday bookbinding workshop (materials fee applies)
- Saturday Swap Meet vendor bookings
- Saturday Wayzgoose Dinner
- Sunday coffee/brunch
When registering you’ll be able to indicate which activities you intend to join so we can manage numbers for each venue.
STUDIO VISITS
Across the weekend, several practitioners are opening their studios to visitors:
– Christina Drummond — Friday, 11.00–12.30
– Jo Giddens — Saturday, 10.30
– Catherine Macdonald — Saturday, 11.30
If you would like to host a studio visit, please let us know.
EXHIBITION — open to all
A highlight of the Wayzgoose is our joint exhibition of work from both organisations:
- ABC will show books from their annual Print and Bind project, alongside entries
for the John Samsom Memorial Bookbinding Competition. - AHP will display all entries from the inaugural Print Swap, themed Stars. These prints will be available for purchase at the Wayzgoose dinner.
The exhibition is open to the public, and we warmly encourage visitors to come, browse, and enjoy contemporary book arts up close.
See the detailed programme attached HERE. The Brick House menu is HERE.
SWAP MEET — treasures await
Everyone is welcome to explore the Swap Meet: a lively space to sell surplus items, find tools or materials you’ve been hunting for, or discover an unexpected treasure. Sellers will be asked to book a spot and arrange their own payment methods. Public visitors are very welcome to browse.
BOOKBINDING WORKSHOP
Details will be announced soon, with bookings essential. This workshop will be suitable for both newcomers and experienced binders.
LOCAL HIGHLIGHTS & ART SUPPLIES
Whanganui offers a wide range of creative and cultural activities, and we’ve included suggestions in the full programme. Don’t miss a visit to Aotearoa Art Supplies, a local favourite — especially if you’re looking for excellent inks in tubes.
GETTING THERE & ACCOMMODATION
If you are travelling to Whanganui and have a seat to spare, or you are looking for a ride, please email the secretary at handcraftprinters@gmail.com and we will arrange for you to meet a fellow traveller.
If you are looking for accommodation in Whanganui there are plenty of options. We have attached HERE a copy of the leaflet provided by the people at Whanganui i-Site which may be useful.
FINDING YOUR WAY AROUND
- Whanganui Regional Museum, Queens Park, Watt Street Whanganui Regional Museum
- Alexander Library (Pukenamu Queen’s Park), Pukenamu Drive Alexander Library
- Sarjeant Gallery Te Whare o Rehua, 4 Pukenamu Drive Sarjeant Gallery
- Rutland Arms, Cnr Victoria Ave & Ridgway Street https://www.rutlandarms.co.nz
- Brick House Restaurant, 72 Saint Hill Street Brick House
- Yellow House Café, 17 Pitt Street Yellow House Café
- Mud Ducks Café, 31 Taupo Quay Mud Ducks
- Aotearoa Art Supplies, 18 Saint Hill Street Aotearoa Art Supplies
- Christina Drummond, 7 Alexander Street, Awapuni, Palmerston North Windmill Press
- Jo Giddens, 22 George Street Jo Giddens
- Catherine Macdonald, 77C Campbell Street Catherine Macdonald
