Pasifikafuturism is a word coined by Gina Cole (Fijian, Pākehā) to describe science fiction written by indigenous Pasifika writers, featuring Pasifika characters, and looking towards a transformational future. Na Viro is set over 200 years from now, telling the story of Tia, a young Fijian, Tongan, Mayuro woman who travels into deep space to save her sister Leilani, piloting her craft using ancestral Pasifika navigational methods of wayfinding. Barrister and solicitor Gina, who has a PhD in Creative Writing and is a big Star Trek fan, shares why she was inspired to write about a future where indigenous knowledge was centralised, privileged and respected.

AUCKLAND WRITERS FESTIVAL 2023, WAITUHI O TĀMAKI WEDNESDAY 17 MAY 2023 – 1.25-2.10PM KIRI TE KANAWA THEATRE, AOTEA CENTRE