Author talk: Trish Harris (Out of the Box: 25 Deaf and disabled artists, activists and adventurers from Aotearoa New Zealand)

Join Trish Harris, author, creative writing tutor and co-founder of Crip the Lit, at Schrödinger’s Books for a fascinating conversation about her book, Out of the Box: 25 Deaf and Disabled Artists, Activists and Adventurers from Aotearoa New Zealand. Published by Otago University Press in July 2026, Out of the Box celebrates the extraordinary lives and achievements of 25 Deaf and disabled New Zealanders who have challenged stereotypes, broken down barriers and refused to be defined by society’s expectations. Featuring inspiring individuals including Dame Sophie Pascoe, Mojo Mathers, Adam Hall and Rodney Bell, the book shares the stories of artists, activists, adventurers and changemakers who have carved out their own paths and made significant contributions to Aotearoa New Zealand. Alongside these personal stories, the book explores the history of Deaf and disability rights in New Zealand, tracing important milestones back to the 1840s and highlighting the ongoing fight for inclusion, accessibility and representation. Harris is a passionate advocate for disabled writers and storytellers. In 2016, she co-founded Crip the Lit with Robyn Hunt, an initiative dedicated to championing Deaf and disabled literary voices and challenging conventional narratives about disability. Join Trish as she discusses the remarkable people featured in Out of the Box, the inspiration behind their stories and the importance of celebrating diverse voices and experiences in New Zealand literature. RSVP by email: books@schrodingersbooks.co.nz