Abraham Verghese

When eminent physician and writer Abraham Verghese was awarded the National Humanities Medal by President Obama, he was praised both for his efforts to emphasise empathy in his medical practice and in his esteemed fiction writing.

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  • Words by Auckland Writers Festival - Waituhi o Tāmaki
  • Last updated 05 Nov 2025

His immersive and sweeping Kerala- set epic novel The Covenant of Water is a clear favourite among Aotearoa New Zealand’s readers. He joins Paula Morris in conversation about his remarkable career and writing.

Location

Te wāhi

Aotea Centre
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Local tip

He tīwhiri mō te rohe

Check out the sculpture of celebrated Kiwi opera singer Dame Kiri Te Kanawa which sits on Level 3 of the Aotea Centre. It was created by local artist Terry Stringer and unveiled by Dame Kiri Te Kanawa herself when the auditorium was named in her honour in 2019.

Getting there

Te huarahi ki reira

The Aotea Centre is a short walk up Queen Street from Waitematā Station, and the Civic car park is conveniently located beside the venue if you’re driving.

More info

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