'Layers of Identity' - Celebrating the Voices of Ōtepoti’s Rangatahi

By Ōtepoti He Puna Auaha | Dunedin UNESCO City Of Literature | Posted: Tuesday Apr 07, 2026

The City of Literature team, in partnership with Otago Access Radio (OAR FM), is thrilled about the upcoming release of Layers of Identity — a powerful and inspiring book celebrating the voices of Ōtepoti’s rangatahi.

Originally created by OAR FM’s Youth Zone as a podcast and creative writing project, this initiative showcases fifteen remarkable young writers aged 8 to 24 as they explore their whakapapa, identity, culture, and sense of belonging through original poems, essays, and speeches.

With honesty and creativity, these rangatahi invite us to listen deeply — to their histories, their hopes, and the many layers that shape who they are.

We are delighted that Layers of Identity will soon be published as a book, bringing these powerful voices together in a vibrant and lasting collection. From poetic reflections to deeply personal essays, it is a testament to the strength found in storytelling and the importance of knowing where you come from.

We warmly encourage you to explore the OAR FM podcast and hear these voices for yourself: Layers of Identity - Otago Access Radio

Stay tuned for more details as we look ahead to the book’s launch in May, in celebration of Youth Week and UNESCO’s World Day for Cultural Diversity.