A book documenting the emergence of Pacific writing at USP in the 1970s and 1980s – a time marked by decolonization and shared aspiration – was recently launched at The University of the South Pacific (USP).
The Rise of Pacific Literature by Matthew Hayward, a senior lecturer in literature at USP and Maebh Long, senior lecturer in English at the University of Waikato, was launched at the Oceania Center for Arts, Culture and Pacific Studies (OCACPS) at Laucala Campus in Suva.
The event brought together founding voices of Pacific literature, reflecting on a golden era of creativity, community, and regional pride.
The co-authors highlighted how Pacific literature took shape during a period when USP had passionate students and visionary educators who laid the groundwork, collecting oral histories, founding student journals, and pushing for recognition of local stories as literary art.
The students moved seamlessly from oratory to decolonial and European literature, driven by their aspirations and empowered by a strong sense of agency and choice.
Dr Long
This book serves as a powerful reminder, especially for teachers, of the profound impact teaching can have beyond the classroom; even to regional decisions.
Dr Hayward
Present at the event as guests were Dr Vanessa Griffen and Dr Konai Helu Thaman, both renowned Pacific academics, writers, and two of the earliest students of USP.
Dr Vanessa Griffen recounted how a supportive environment of peers, lecturers, and publications like UNISPAC (University of the South Pacific Arts Group) nurtured writers into bold Pacific voices.
It was the best thing that ever happened to me.
Dr Griffen said, describing USP as a space that empowered students to discover their region, and their voices, through literature.
Dr Konai Helu Thaman shared about how encouragement from school staff helped her turn personal experiences into powerful poetry.
Writing made me feel confident. It became part of who I am.
Dr Thaman
The launch was a powerful tribute to a generation of Pacific storytellers who are courageous in writing and reshaping regional identity and who continue to inspire new voices across the Pacific.
The book is currently available for purchase at the USP Bookcentre and can be accessed at the USP library.