The Coalition for Books to host a series of online talanoa sessions to support tagata Moana writers in publishing

Aotearoa’s literary landscape glitters with Māori and Moana talent. However, writer and academic Tina Makereti has highlighted that a mere 3% of annual publishing in New Zealand is by Māori and tagata Moana writers. The Coalition for Books are determined to disrupt this vā (space), through guiding more tagata Moana writers into publishing and are eager to learn more about the journey to getting started, and the barriers therein.

With support from Creative New Zealand, The Coalition for Books will devise a national strategy for Moana creatives trying to break into the industry. It’s holding a month-long online talanoa from mid-September asking creative Moana communities for feedback.

Hosted by acclaimed Moana author and poet Courtney Sina Meredith and Reading Warrior publisher David Riley, both are eager to make some healthy connections, in the hope would-be authors will share their experiences and aspirations. The sessions will help The Coalition for Books to develop a strategy that can meet the needs of Moana writers.

Registrations are now open, talanoa2022@gmail.com please indicate the session you wish to attend, spaces are limited. You are welcome to attend more than one session.

The Coalition for Books Online Talanoa Sessions Sept 14 – Oct 5

Tasi
Wednesday 14 September, 12pm-12.45pm
Host: David Riley

Lua
Thursday 15 September, 4pm-4.45pm
Host: Courtney Sina Meredith

Ua
Wednesday 21 September, 12pm-12.45pm
Host: David Riley

Va
Thursday 22 September, 4pm-4.45pm
Host: Courtney Sina Meredith

Lima
Wednesday 28 September, 12pm-12.45pm
Host: David Riley

Ono
Thursday 29 September, 4pm-4.45pm
Host: Courtney Sina Meredith

Fitu
Wednesday 5 October, 12pm-12.45pm
Host: David Riley

Wanua
Thursday 6 October, 4pm-4.45pm
Host: Courtney Sina Meredith