The invention provides a variable width material distribution apparatus (1) for use with an asphalt paving machine for distributing asphalt screed across a surface to be paved. The apparatus (1) comprises at least two auger support members (9), each auger support member positioned coaxially with each other and configured to engage with an adjacent auger support member (9) to form a combined support of variable length; and at least two auger slide sections (3) comprising an outboard auger slide section (3B) coupled to an outboard auger support section at an outboard end via a hanger, each auger slide section positioned coaxially with each other and configured to engage with an adjacent auger slide section to form a combined auger of variable length; such that extension or retraction of the auger support members (9) along a path of least resistance as the apparatus (1) moves over a surface to be paved causes a corresponding extension or retraction of the auger slide sections (3) with respect to an adjacent auger slide section (3) and such that each auger slide section (3) is configured to maintain a continuous worm with respect to an adjacent auger slide section (3) when in an extended position in relation to one another.