Sxster Speaks Poetry

To celebrate the landmark new exhibition, Declaration: A Pacific Feminist Agenda, we are proud to host an afternoon of poetry with three of the most powerful voices of the Pacific: Dr Karlo Mila, Dr Selina Tusitala Marsh and Courtney Sina Meredith.

Join us in our South Atrium, underneath Sione Monū & Manu Vaeatangitau's dazzling installation, Kindred: A Leitī Chronicle, for an afternoon of spoken word that promises to be equal parts funny, moving and inspiring.

 

Dr Karlo Mila is a poet, writer, academic and cultural leader of Tongan, Pālagi and Samoan descent. Following the success of her first two collections, Dream Fish Floating and A Well Written Body, she published her latest collection, Goddess Muscle, which sold out within weeks of release.  Appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to the Pacific community, her postdoctoral research created a leadership curriculum that is changing lives and shaping Aotearoa.

Dr Selina Tusitala Marsh is a poet and scholar of Samoan, Tuvaluan, English, Scottish and French descent. She was the first Pacific Islander to graduate with a PhD in English from The University of Auckland and is now a lecturer in the English Department, specialising in Pacific literature. Authoring two award-winning books, Fast Talking PI and Mophead: How Your Difference Makes a Difference, Selina has represented Tuvalu at the London Olympics Poetry Parnassus 2012, composed and performed for the Queen at Westminster Abbey and she became New Zealand's Poet Laureate in 2017.

Courtney Sina Meredith is a distinguished author of five books whose work delves into issues such as racism, sexism and poverty and draws on her Samoan roots. She is the Director of Tautai, Aotearoa’s leading Pacific arts organisation. Courtney has been awarded prestigious creative opportunities around the globe. Heralding an era of niu leadership, she has a strong focus on giving voice to the contemporary experiences of Pacific women. She lives in Aukliani with visual artist partner Janet Lilo and their children.

 

Entry is free, however visitor capacity is limited. Come early to avoid disappointment.

Image credits: Karlo Mila photographed by Pati Tyrell. | Selina Tusitala Marsh photographed by Jesse James Tusitala Marsh. | Photograph of Courtney Sina Meredith courtesy of Courtney Sina Meredith.