Guest speaker: Prof Klemens Renoldner (February 9th 2023)

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In early February, an international conference on the Austrian writer Stefan Zweig was hosted by the German section at the University of Auckland. Prof. Klemens Renoldner, founding director of the Stefan-Zweig-Centre at the University of Salzburg, gave a presentation on Zweig's autobiography Die Welt von Gestern for the Auckland Goethe Society.

Prof. Renoldner talked about Zweig's interest in the genre of autobiography and how his earlier explorations of autobiographical writing by others (Casanova, Stendal, Tolstoy) shaped the writing process his own memoirs. He argued that such important considerations should also be taken into account by anyone undertaking biographical work on Zweig.

Written by Stephan Resch

AGM and Weihnachtsfeier (December 1st 2022)

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The Auckland Goethe Society celebrated the end of another successful year with its AGM, followed by the annual Weihnachtsfeier. There was Stollen from Diehl’s Bakery and alcohol-free Glühwein (mulled wine) provided, which were enjoyed by the members while mingling. As a special concert, three of the committee members Courtney Sole (President), Vanessa Chong (Secretary), and Zoë Kiefte (Vice-President) performed a selection of Christmas songs on keyboard and saxophone to get everyone into the Weihnachtsstimmung (Christmas mood).

Thank you to everyone who organised and attended this event. Frohe Weihnachten und guten Rutsch ins neue Jahr! We will see you all for more exciting events celebrating German language and culture in 2023.

Written by Eve Walter

Kerstin Preiwuß Book Reading (October 14th 2022)

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German author Kerstin Preiwuß read from her most recent novel, "Nach Onkalo", in a hybrid event hosted by the Auckland Goethe Society.

Primarily being a poet, her language forms powerful characters and settings.

Matuschek, the novel's main protagonist, was 40 when his mother died. Now, living alone in a big house in the nothingness of Germany's northeast, he doesn't know what to do with his time. No spouse and people leave this area when they can. But he stays; he is one of the few inhabitants of the backland that is forgotten and given up.

"Nach Onkalo" is a novel that evolves slowly and adds an impressive insight into the hearts and souls of communities that seemingly stay behind and seem to be forgotten by the rest of the country.

The unique characters and Kerstin's guidance through her novel capture the audience quickly. It was a fantastic opportunity to deal with a part of contemporary German society not often talked about.

Written by Mareike Schmidt

Prizegiving (September 29th 2022)

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The 2023 AGS Prizegiving was held at the University of Auckland’s Fisher & Paykel Auditorium. After being cancelled last year due to the COVID-19 lockdown, there was much excitement when students were able to receive certificates and prizes in person again this year. Our President, Courtney Sole addressed the audience with an inspiring speech about her own journey with learning German and becoming a professional translator. Ten schools from around Auckland participated in this year’s competition and approximately 250 students, parents and teachers attended the ceremony.

Written by Stephan Resch