Strong Words 4 continues the tradition of showcasing Aotearoa New Zealand’s best contemporary essays, presenting a diverse collection of thought-provoking, beautifully crafted works. Selected from the 2023 and 2024 Landfall Essay Competition entries, this volume also includes the winners of both years’ Landfall Young Writers’ Essay Competitions.

These essays explore a wide range of topics, from queer rights and female reproduction to neoliberalism, capitalism, colonisation and environmental destruction. Personal reflections on motherhood, fatherhood, friendship and love sit alongside sharp critiques of the intellectual and property classes.

With pieces touching on cancer, dementia, animal rights and the abuse of power, the collection captures the complexity of life in Aotearoa. Some essays embrace traditional storytelling, while others push boundaries with experimental structure and form. The result is a compelling snapshot of New Zealand’s current cultural landscape—at a time when platforms for long-form, reflective writing are rare. Amid the noise of online content, Strong Words 4 offers a vital space for thoughtful critiques of society. As always, these essays are essential reading for anyone invested in New Zealand’s literary and cultural future.