Zoë Meager completed an undergraduate degree in anthropology and gender studies at the University of Otago, before going on to complete a Masters in Sociology from the University of Auckland. She worked variously as a public servant, research assistant, and English language teacher before returning to the University of Auckland and graduating with a Masters in Creative Writing in 2012. We interviewed her about her writing and whether place has an impact on her writing voice.

Is place, the landscape and language of where you’re from, something that has a bearing on your writing voice?

I haven’t written much local stuff, because I guess I’ve been more interested in the meeting of (potential) worlds. That said, of course I’m always aware of the writing tradition that surrounds me, which is rich in debates about land and language, especially indigenous and post-colonial perspectives.

Do you know why you do it?

It always seems like a good idea at the time.

What are you working on now?

I’m redrafting the collection I wrote last year for my masters. I’ve been lucky enough to get a mentorship with Stephanie Johnson, through the New Zealand Society of Authors, and she’s guiding me through the process.

If you were in a band, what would it be called?

Zoë and The Indecisions.