Pōneke Book Launch — Among Kinabuhi sa Aotearoa: Filipino Lives in Aotearoa

Fri Jun 19 2026 at 06:00 pm to 09:00 pm UTC+12:00

Enjoy Contemporary Art Space | Wellington

Auckland Libraries Publishing
Publisher/HostAuckland Libraries Publishing
P\u014dneke Book Launch \u2014 Among Kinabuhi sa Aotearoa: Filipino Lives in Aotearoa
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Join Marc Conaco, Vivien Beduya and Auckland Council Libraries to celebrate the launch of Among Kinabuhi sa Aotearoa.
About this Event

Auckland Council Libraries would like to warmly invite you to the launch of its newest publication, Among Kinabuhi sa Aotearoa: Filipino Lives in Aotearoa, edited by Marc Conaco and authored by Vivien Beduya. We welcome you to join us in celebrating the pukapuka, and those who have contributed to it with speeches, readings, kai and community thanks to Enjoy Contemporary Art Space!


Books will be available to purchase on the evening for $32.


About the book

Among Kinabuhi sa Aotearoa is a glimpse into the lives of 14 Filipinos—the third-largest Asian group in Aotearoa— trailblazers who build community in their adopted home, uphold the struggles of their people in the Philippines and stand in solidarity with tangata whenua.


This collection brings together a diverse group of artists, academics and activists engaged in the practice of radical imagination and collective action—working towards a future that is kinder, more equitable and just. These individuals recognise that the value of social movements lies not only in binary outcomes of victory or defeat, but in the ability to forge and fortify relationships, solidarity and community.


Each interview is a peek into their interpretation of the legacy of care we inherit as people of the diaspora—an understanding that being guests on another’s land is both a privilege and a responsibility. We invite readers to not only hope for better futures but take active steps towards creating them.


Contributors

AM Leal Rodriguez (PhD), Donna Dacuno, Ka Eugene of BAYAN Aotearoa NZ, Hannah Pia Baral, Jess Granada, Keziah Sarmiento, Dr. Lovely Dizon (Sambajon), Maria Milmine, Mariadelle Gamit, Marianne Infante, Max Santiago, Nic of AnakBayan, Nina Gabriella Santos, Charles Buenconsejo and Grace Bariso of Soil of Cultures


About the editor and author

Marc Conaco is a visual artist and producer with an award-winning zine-making practice. His work centres on world-building that reclaims and reimagines Bisaya culture and heritage through the lens of queer ancestry. He has worked in Aotearoa and overseas, most notably with Asian Aotearoa Arts (NZ), Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center (USA) and Liveworks Festival (AUS).


Vivien Beduya is a digital journalist and photographer passionate about uplifting migrant and underserved communities through her storytelling. She has worked for Capsule, Re: News and Newstalk ZB, with her work also appearing in the NZ Herald, Rappler and Stuff. She is the founder of Bisaya Banter—a podcast exploring Bisaya identity in the diaspora.

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Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Enjoy Contemporary Art Space, 211 Left Bank, Wellington, New Zealand

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