Post-pandemic Aotearoa is the theme of Traces of Aotearoa, a new publication from Auckland Council Libraries that brings together poetry, prose and visual art by women writers and artists in a powerful anthology that looks back on this period in history.
Edited by acclaimed Pacific writer Courtney Sina Meredith and writer, curator and gallerist Kim Meredith, Traces of Aotearoa offers a timely reflection on contemporary life in Aotearoa since COVID-19. Through poetry, essays and visual works, the collection explores the ongoing impacts of the pandemic, environmental uncertainty, shifting identities, and the enduring importance of creativity and community.
The anthology centres around Māori, Pacific, queer and other diverse perspectives creating a rich and nuanced record of a period of profound social and cultural change.
Chair of Auckland Council’s Community Committee Julie Fairey says the anthology highlights the power of storytelling and creative expression to strengthen community connections.
“Projects like Traces of Aotearoa help people see themselves and their experiences reflected in our shared cultural landscape. By creating opportunities for diverse voices to be heard and celebrated, these initiatives foster a sense of belonging and connection for everyone in our communities.”
Withholding, Sally Greer (2025).
Contributors include Commonwealth Poet Laureate Selina Tusitala Marsh; leading visual artists Janet Lilo, Ayesha Green, Alex Scott, Fa’amele Etuale, Penny Howard, and the intergenerational Tongan mother-daughter duo Sulieti Fieme’a Burrows and Tui Emma Gillies; acclaimed Pacific writer Courtney Sina Meredith; writer and gallerist Kim Meredith; emerging Rotuman/Pākehā writer Jane Lowe; Aotearoa-born diaspora writer Shannon Huse Caldwell, based in Houston Texas; and artist, designer and publisher Sally Greer, whose return to studio practice marks a significant creative homecoming.
Dad’s Hāngī at Pātaua, Penny Howard (2021).
Auckland Council Head of Library and Learning Services Catherine Leonard says the publication reflects the important role libraries play in amplifying diverse voices and preserving stories that might otherwise go unheard.
“Through our publishing programme, Auckland Council Libraries is able to address gaps in our collections and ensure a wider range of voices are represented and preserved. Traces of Aotearoa provides a platform for an extraordinary group of women writers and artists whose work reflects the richness, complexity and diversity of contemporary Aotearoa. We are proud to support and share these important creative contributions with current and future generations.”
The publication forms part of Auckland Council Libraries’ commitment to publishing stories that reflect the communities of Tāmaki Makaurau.
Traces of Aotearoa has an RRP of $40 and is available now and free to borrow from all 57 Auckland Council Libraries.