Katūīvei

A celebration of an exciting new thread in the literature of Aotearoa

To write poetry in New Zealand as a Pacific migrant is an act of wayfinding, a creative process of discovery and negotiation between cultural spaces. This collection of 137 poems by 89 Aotearoa-based Pacific poets explores that navigation.

This significant collection ranges from long-established voices such as Albert Wendt, Selina Tusitala Marsh and David Eggleton and the powerful newer voices of poets such as Tusiata Avia, Courtney Sina Meredith, Karlo Mila and Grace Iwashita-Taylor to new and emerging voices. Deep and rich, like Moana Oceania itself, it shows Pasifika poetry to be in a constant state of ‘old and new’, of haharagi and lelea‘ mafua, a lively and evolving continuum.

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‘Katuivei achieves something profound. It cements Pasifika poetry as an essential compass for navigating Aotearoa’s cultural currents in all their richness and complexity. This is an invaluable historical record, a treasure trove of artistry, and a resounding affirmation that Pacific poetry in this country is very much alive and charting fresh, uncharted waters.’ — Chris Reed, NZ Booklovers

‘How on earth to summarise a starburst of different reading experiences? My copy bristles with the post-it flags I use to mark particularly memorable lines.’ — Elizabeth Heritage, Kete Books