Local Legends
Daniel Vernon introduces his brand-new comic book Local Legends, which reimagines three iconic Māori pūrākau through action, horror and romance. He chats about his distinctive illustration style and bringing these legends to a new generation.
Lighten Up
After a lifetime of being told she can't take a joke, pip adam wrote the book, kluge, in the style of a stand-up comedy special. With Hugo Grrrl, pip explores the structure of comedy, the politics of laughter, and the weaponisation of humour.
Cult Icons
From cult TV and pop divas to forgotten fads and guilty pleasures, we are pop culture obsessed. Chris Tse and Haro Lee dissect the songs, shows and cultural touchstones they love, and read their poetic responses — then lead a quiz.
The Haunting Wood
John Summers' Green Sea draws on true stories of people lost in the bush, where isolation can unravel a person's sense of self. Tīhema Baker's One Day a Taniwha follows a father struggling to trust what he sees. Together they explore disorientation, fear, and minds under pressure.
Curating the Truth
We look to libraries, museums and archives as institutions of memory, but how do curators and editors select, preserve and resurface art and objects to inform truthful cultural identities? A conversation on the role of the curator in today's shifting landscape.
Starling: Sparks to a Flame
Artistic lineages are traced through readings by four pairs of writers, drawn from past and present pages of Starling, the journal for writing by Aotearoa authors under 25. Expect discovery and delight from the murmuration.
How to Write Spice
Ever wanted to write with a little more steam and a lot more spice? Isabelle Taylor talks through tips and tricks for successfully writing scenes that smoulder off the pages. Writers of any level are welcome.
Political Afterthoughts
The votes are counted and the political horse-trading begins. James Nokise leads a pressing post-election debrief, reviewing who's in, who's out, and what the results of the 2026 election mean for Aotearoa.