Tina Makereti on her new novel The Mires

Novellist, short story writer, editor and essayist Tina Makereti's new work of fiction, The Mires, tackles some big subjects - identity, racism, intolerance and what happens when that becomes extremism. It is set in the near future, in a small New Zealand coastal settlement, where three women find themselves neighbours. Single mum of two Keri, Janet and older woman with an opinion on everything, and Sera, who has sought refuge in New Zealand from ecological devastation in Europe. Tina Makereti is the author of two novels, The Imaginary Lives of James Poneke and Where the Rekohu Bone Sings. She's also a short story writer, co-edited the anthology Black Marks on the White Page and has been the recipient of several writers residencies and awards. Tina will be speaking at Unity Books Wellington on Wednesday July 10th, 12.30pm-1.15pm, and appearing at WORD Christchurch Festival 2024 in August.