An evening of readings and performance to launch Next Chapter fellowship recipient Anne-Marie Te Whiu’s debut poetry collection, a defiant celebration of her Māori lineage, language and culture.  

In 2021, Anne-Marie Te Whiu was awarded one of The Wheeler Centre’s coveted Next Chapter fellowships. Under the mentorship of Narungga poet Natalie Harkin, she breathed life into Mettle, a collection of poems which gracefully examines the fear and shame that once held her back. 

Drawing on childhood stories about her whakapapa – her Māori ancestry – her poetry boldly explores the complexities of family, identity and trauma. With each verse, she confronts what once defined her, speaking back with a language of resilience and fortitude while revising what it means to be Indigenous – both for herself and those around her.

Te Whiu celebrates the launch of her electrifying debut and invites you to join in the revelry.