In 2026, VUWSA made an executive decision without consultation to end themed/guest-edited copies of Te Herenga Waka's student magazine, Salient, leading to the premature death of a decades-old tradition. UniQ refused to take this lying down and Queerlient ownership was transferred to the incorporated club to continue self-publication. Independent and (temporarily) digital publication means far more editorial freedom. Ally Furneaux, the Publications Officer, is responsible for weaving together the inaugural edition of Queerlient with pieces that speak to the diversity of queerness today.
My own piece came to me, as always, in moemoeā. These dreams come to me during the late hours of the night, when Te Kore feels closest and real (around 1-3am). This toi Māori centres a double koru design that represents (1) the intertwining of masculinity and femininity, (2) the tautoko (support) of queer whānau, and (3) the unfolding of new life. Blue and pink merge with the white lines of hau (breath/essence of life) to reflect the transgender flag colours. The background of a starry night represents Te Kore (The Nothing), that endless potential before coming into being in Māori creation pūrākau. The border surrounding the toi is inspired by the kaokao pattern for tukutuku panels, and represents the strength of the queer community always around us, holding us up. The rainbow gradient honours Kahukura, not only a literal translation of rainbow but also my 'patron atua' of navigation that guides me on my many journeys. Chur my bro.
The title, e puritia tonu ia, is a loosely grammatical, purposely nuanced choice of kupu. E puritia tonu would be more traditional, and could be translated as continue to hold eternally / hold fast, always / the keeping of memory forever . Adding ia, the only pronoun in te reo Māori, creates a timeless connection. The translation turns to keep holding onto them / the kept memories of them . I've intentionally left further interpretation up to the viewer because it is up to you to decide who/what/where/when/how to hold and remember. For me, it is my tīpuna takatāpui, it is our dreams, it is everywhere, and it is always.