What writing do we need? New Commissions Writers publication launch

The five writers selected for the 2026 New Commissions programme come together at Artspace Aotearoa to mark the launch of a new printed collection of cultural criticism. Anoushka Coulter, Rahul Hendriksen, Ruby Macomber, Kieran McLean and Roro return to a question posed to them at the beginning of the programme. After a year of reading, research, discussion, writing and editing, what do they say now? The panel offers an opportunity to hear the writers reflect on how their thinking has developed throughout the programme, and to explore the ideas behind their newly completed texts. Following the discussion, guests are invited to stay for drinks and conversation and to pick up a copy of the printed collection. The programme is presented with the support of strategic partner the Chartwell Trust. What to expect:

• Free entry
• A seated panel discussion, with microphones provided
• Light refreshments
• An accessible venue in the gallery at Artspace Aotearoa

About the writers Ruby Macomber is a community and criminal defence lawyer, poet, researcher and writer based in Tāmaki Makaurau, and a proud daughter of Motusa and Te Pū o te Wheke. Since 2020, she has facilitated creative writing programmes in prisons across Aotearoa with Te Kāhui, a rangatahi-led kaupapa for story sovereignty. She is developing a hybrid poetry-essay collection exploring anti-carceral Indigenous feminism and abolition in Aotearoa. Roro is a writer based in Tāmaki Makaurau whose work brings together the theoretical, lyrical and personal to explore the strange textures of contemporary life. Their writing is particularly interested in thresholds and the ways language can reach towards experiences that exceed its limits. Their recent work has appeared in arts publications and gallery exhibitions, and they regularly self-publish on Substack. They have previously held a residency with RM Gallery and are currently developing Edge of Heaven, a long-form essay on mystical practice and Internet sexuality. Rahul Hendriksen is an art writer and experimental poet who teaches and studies at the University of Auckland. His writing has been published by galleries including The Physics Room, while his poetry has appeared in journals such as Sweet Mammalian. Anoushka Coulter is completing her honours year at Whitecliffe College of Art and Design. Working across painting and writing, she draws on Tāmaki Makaurau as a source for both disciplines. Her paintings depict the cityscape, while her writing for publications including Art New Zealand and ArtNews explores contemporary exhibitions. Her interests include hauntology and futurism, influenced by thinkers including Franco ‘Bifo’ Berardi, Mark Fisher and Jacques Derrida. Kieran McLean is a Marxist writer and member of People Against Prisons Aotearoa. A former journalist, he now focuses on essays and writes a regular blog featuring art criticism and personal essays. Venue: Artspace Aotearoa, 292 Karangahape Road, Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland Tickets: Free, information on access