Talia is the debut poetry collection from Isla Huia (Te Āti Haunui a-Pāpārangi, Uenuku). It is a critique of hometowns, an analysis of whakapapa, and a reclamation of tongue. It is an ode to the earth she stands on, and to a sister she lost to the skies. It is a manifesto for a future full of aunties and islands and light.

Published by Dead Bird Books, May 2023

About the author

Isla Huia (Te Āti Haunui a-Pāpārangi, Uenuku) is a te reo Māori teacher, writer and musician. She has performed at the national finals of Rising Voices Youth Poetry Slam and the National Poetry Slam, as well as at Christchurch’s Word Festival. Isla can most often be found writing in Ōtautahi with FIKA Collective, and Ōtautahi Kaituhi Māori.