2025 Programmes

Jeanette Wikaira

Jeanette Wikaira

Jeanette Wikaira (Ngāti Pukenga, Ngāti Tamaterā, Ngāpuhi) has had a 30-year career in universities, libraries, galleries, and cultural heritage; as a curator, librarian and researcher. She is currently the Arts and Culture General Manager at the Dunedin City Council. Ōtepoti Dunedin’s UNESCO City of Literature has been a fruitful city to explore her long held passion for books and supporting the literary landscape. She holds the Co-Chair position of the Dunedin Writers and Readers Festival Trust and is the Chair of the Hone Tuwhare Trust. Jeanette is an advocate of story sovereignty as a process of healing that supports Māori agency, creativity and courage. Books of Mana is Jeanette's first publication.