Jenny Argante (writing tutor)

Jenny Argante is a New Zealand author, literary editor, proofreader, and publisher and has been a tutor of creative writing for over 30 years. She is also a member of the New Zealand Society of Authors and President of Tauranga Writers (established in 1967 and running a year-long programme of writerly happenings to celebrate their Golden Jubilee).

Over the past 15 years, Jenny has helped bring out 67 books for children and adults, poetry, and prose as a ‘literary midwife.’ She has also found time to edit Freelance – Writers Helping Writers, New Zealand’s only magazine for creative writers of all kinds; publish a short story collection (After the Act) and a book of poetry (Working in the Cracks Between); as well as storybooks for children and several writers’ guides.

To the world, Margaret Mahy is known as the Word Witch; in Tauranga, Jenny is regarded as their very own Word Wizard and writing guru.

Tauranga Writers on Facebook »

Warren Mahy (illustration tutor)

Warren is the cousin of the late Margaret Mahy.

For the past 17 years, he has been involved in the creation of many weird, wonderful and scary things for the film, television and illustration industries. During his freelance career, Warren has worked for companies such as Wizards of the Coast, Blizzard Entertainment, Weta Digital and Weta Workshop.

He has worn the hats of a production illustrator, concept designer, storyboard artist, sculptor, and 3D modeller. Warren’s most notable work so far would be his contribution to the creatures and characters for Peter Jackson’s film blockbusters, The Lord of The Rings series, and most recently, both storyboarding and 3D modelling on the Hobbit film trilogy. His influence can also be seen in numerous other films, including the remake of King Kong and Andrew Adamson’s Narnia series.

Warren’s Mahy’s website »

This workshop is part of a wider programme organised by local community groups Arts Whakatāne and the Whakatāne and District Historic Society, to commemorate the life and memory of New Zealand children’s writer Margaret Mahy.

As part of these activities, Arts Whakatāne, with the support of Whakatāne Museum and Arts, will present this one-off creative children’s workshop.