SuperGrans celebrate their poems at the launch of Wish

By Ōtepoti He Puna Auaha | Dunedin UNESCO City Of Literature | Posted: Thursday Jun 05, 2025

South Dunedin’s SuperGrans and Studio2 artists came together to celebrate the launch of Wish—a heartfelt collection of poetry penned by the SuperGrans volunteers with artworks in response by the Studio2 artists. The launch, held at the SuperGrans Dunedin hub, marked the culmination of a creative journey that began with a single question: If you were granted a wish, what would it be?

Published by Dunedin UNESCO City of Literature, the book gathers poems from a series of free workshops led by City of Literature South D Poet Lorikeet Jenny Powell in recognition of the SuperGrans’ service. Held amidst the hum of everyday activity in the former mall café, now transformed into a bustling life-skills centre, the workshops invited participants to reflect, imagine, and write. Over six weeks, hesitant first lines grew into rich, thoughtful poems filled with memories, humour, and hope. 

Over the road, Studio2 artists selected poems that personally resonated with them—through shared themes, imagery, or a single word—and responded with vivid, expressive artworks. Sometimes literal, sometimes abstract, their interpretations add energy and depth, allowing readers to engage with the poems in fresh and layered ways.

Former SuperGrans Manager Sandy McKay spoke of the value in volunteers stepping into unfamiliar territory, echoing the Māori concept of ako—where teaching and learning go hand in hand.

Every contributor will receive a copy of the book, with more copies destined for literary spaces around the city.

As stories were shared and wishes revisited, the event itself reinforced that sometimes poetry really can grant wishes.