Auckland's best-known writers will head to Europe to spread the word about New Zealand literature.

Thirteen local authors are among the 68 New Zealand writers who will be in Germany next month for the Frankfurt Book Fair.

New Zealand is the guest of honour at the world's largest book and content fair, with  the Ministry of Culture and Heritage leading the $5.3-million programme which attracts 7600 exhibitors from 110 countries over five days.

About 300,000 visitors are expected to experience hundreds of events featuring more than 65 New Zealand writers and 100 performers in a 2500sqm Kiwi pavilion.

The Auckland authors who will be in Frankfurt reading from their work and participating in panel discussions are Alix Bosco (aka Greg McGee),  Aroha Harris, Dylan Horrocks, Witi Ihimaera, Annabel Langbein, Ole Maiava, Courtney Meredith, Emily Perkins, Nalini Singh, C.K Stead, Robert Sullivan, Chad Taylor and Michael Cooper.
 
Kevin Chapman, president of the Publishers of New Zealand Association, says the opportunity to be guest of honour is unparalleled in the publishing industry.

"This is the biggest international promotion of New Zealand writers to ever occur. New Zealand at the Frankfurt Book Fair is our chance to show the world the spectrum of our talented writers, from literary hero Witi Ihimaera to food guru Annabel

Langbein to paranormal romance superstar Nalini Singh."

The theme of the programme is "while you were sleeping", which aims to highlight the country's creative activities while it is dark in the northern hemisphere.

Visitors to the Kiwi pavilion will experience an instillation featuring live and audio-visual presentations focused on bringing the New Zealand experience to German audiences.

Inside, there will be an island surrounded by water on which six five-metre high sub-pavilions are grouped around a central space and surrounded by beds wrapped in New Zealand wool.

Inside each is an intimate, hanging library, scented with natural oils which evoke an essence of New Zealand.

"There's huge interest in New Zealand in Germany and this is a great opportunity to shine the light on everything we celebrate about our country, the talents of our people, the innovation of our businesses and the quality of our education and lifestyle," says Chapman.

So far this year 83 New Zealand titles have been translated into German as a result of the guest of honour status which has encompassed a 12-month programme of cultural and literary events throughout Germany.

The Frankfurt Book Fair will run from October 9 to 14 with Deputy Prime Minister Bill English giving a keynote speech at the opening ceremony.

- © Fairfax NZ News