Layers of Identity

OAR FM Dunedin

Ōtepoti Dunedin’s creative rangatahi explore their whakapapa through powerful stories of their identity, culture, and belonging through poetry and essays. Proudly supported by Dunedin City Council Arts Grant, Dunedin Public Libraries, Dunedin UNESCO City of Literature and NZ on Air.

  1. May 24

    Layers of Identity Book Launch - Live Event

    A live podcast of the launch of 'Layers of Identity' (Ōtepoti UNESCO City of Literature, 2026), a new collection of poetry, essays, and speeches by Ōtepoti rangatahi (aged 8–24), developed from rangatahi podcasts on OAR FM. This book launch is a collaboration between Otago Access Radio (OAR FM), Dunedin Public Libraries, and Ōtepoti UNESCO City of Literature. This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - oar.org.nz and made thanks to the support of NZ on Air.

  2. 08/20/2025

    Zoe McElrea

    Zoe, a second-year law, politics, and economics student at Otago University, reflects on her Irish ancestry and upbringing on her family’s farm in Milton. Her writing explores how land and family legacy have shaped her identity while inspiring her to carve her own path. Ōtepoti Dunedin’s creative rangatahi explore their whakapapa through powerful stories of their identity, culture, and belonging through poetry and essays on ‘Layers of Identity’. Proudly supported by Dunedin City Council Arts Grant, Dunedin Athenaeum and Mechanics' Institute, Dunedin Public Libraries, Dunedin UNESCO City of Literature and NZ on Air.

  3. 08/20/2025

    Burhan Alsaad

    Burhan, a foundation year student in health sciences, reflects on his essay My Life Through Three Cultures. Born and raised in Iraq, he spent a decade as a refugee in Bogor, Indonesia, before settling in Aotearoa. His writing explores how memories from each country shaped his identity and inspired his dream of becoming a doctor. Ōtepoti Dunedin’s creative rangatahi explore their whakapapa through powerful stories of their identity, culture, and belonging through poetry and essays on ‘Layers of Identity’. Proudly supported by Dunedin City Council Arts Grant, Dunedin Athenaeum and Mechanics' Institute, Dunedin Public Libraries, Dunedin UNESCO City of Literature and NZ on Air.

  4. 08/20/2025

    Jayden Trinh Jesudhass

    Jayden, a NZ-born Vietnamese Singaporean Indian, studies nursing at Otago Polytechnic. His essay, Mango or Banana, was inspired by his struggle to choose one fruit flavour at a real fruit ice cream shop in Central Otago - a metaphor for his multiple cultural identities. Jayden is also a musician and songwriter. Ōtepoti Dunedin’s creative rangatahi explore their whakapapa through powerful stories of their identity, culture, and belonging through poetry and essays on ‘Layers of Identity’. Proudly supported by Dunedin City Council Arts Grant, Dunedin Athenaeum and Mechanics' Institute, Dunedin Public Libraries, Dunedin UNESCO City of Literature and NZ on Air.

  5. 08/20/2025

    Tia Fleming

    Tia, a young mother of Samoan, Māori, Cook Island, and Pākehā heritage, is currently studying towards a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy at the University of Otago. Through her poem, she shares lessons she hopes to pass on to her son. After moving a lot growing up, Tia now raises her son in Dunedin for the strong sense of community. Ōtepoti Dunedin’s creative rangatahi explore their whakapapa through powerful stories of their identity, culture, and belonging through poetry and essays on ‘Layers of Identity’. Proudly supported by Dunedin City Council Arts Grant, Dunedin Athenaeum and Mechanics' Institute, Dunedin Public Libraries, Dunedin UNESCO City of Literature and NZ on Air.

  6. 08/20/2025

    Parishay Khan

    Parishay, a Year 5 student at Kaikorai Primary School, shares her pride in being Kiwi Pakistani in her essay A Mix of Life. Born in Pakistan and raised in New Zealand, she reflects on her dual cultural identity and the connections between her family traditions and everyday life in Dunedin. Ōtepoti Dunedin’s creative rangatahi explore their whakapapa through powerful stories of their identity, culture, and belonging through poetry and essays on ‘Layers of Identity’. Proudly supported by Dunedin City Council Arts Grant, Dunedin Athenaeum and Mechanics' Institute, Dunedin Public Libraries, Dunedin UNESCO City of Literature and NZ on Air.

  7. 08/20/2025

    Charlie Milne

    Charlie, a Year 12 student at Logan Park High School, has Lebanese heritage. Charlie explores whakapapa and identity in their poems Lebanese Daydream and Connection. Responding to the comment, “But you don’t look Lebanese,” they reflect on feeling the urge to reconnect with Lebanon, navigating the complexities of being white-presenting with a rich ancestral heritage. Ōtepoti Dunedin’s creative rangatahi explore their whakapapa through powerful stories of their identity, culture, and belonging through poetry and essays on ‘Layers of Identity’. Proudly supported by Dunedin City Council Arts Grant, Dunedin Athenaeum and Mechanics' Institute, Dunedin Public Libraries, Dunedin UNESCO City of Literature and NZ on Air.

  8. 08/20/2025

    Nembeka Ganaii

    Nembeka, a Year 6 Pine Hill School student, came to Aotearoa from Papua New Guinea as a toddler. In his poem Layers of Identity, Nembeka explores gratitude for life in New Zealand while cherishing the simple, family-focused lifestyle of Papua New Guinea. Ōtepoti Dunedin’s creative rangatahi explore their whakapapa through powerful stories of their identity, culture, and belonging through poetry and essays on ‘Layers of Identity’. Proudly supported by Dunedin City Council Arts Grant, Dunedin Athenaeum and Mechanics' Institute, Dunedin Public Libraries, Dunedin UNESCO City of Literature and NZ on Air.

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About

Ōtepoti Dunedin’s creative rangatahi explore their whakapapa through powerful stories of their identity, culture, and belonging through poetry and essays. Proudly supported by Dunedin City Council Arts Grant, Dunedin Public Libraries, Dunedin UNESCO City of Literature and NZ on Air.

Information

  • Creator
    OAR FM Dunedin
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    17
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © (C)Otago Access Radio
  • Show Website
    Layers of Identity