Events
Research seminars
The English and Linguistics Programme runs a regular seminar series featuring postgraduates, faculty, and guest scholars.
For details on upcoming seminars or to be added to the seminar mailing list, contact:
Email english@otago.ac.nz
Margaret Dalziel Lecture
The Dalziel Lecture is the signature event in the English and Linguistics Programme.
The annual lecture was established in 1981 to honour Professor Margaret Dalziel. Dalziel was the first female Pro-Vice-Chancellor at the University of Otago, she was Head of the English Department (and its first female professor). She also taught and mentored some of Aotearoa's most prominent literary figures.
2026 Margaret Dalziel Lecture – Australia’s Indigenous languages and what they can teach us
Speaker: Professor Rachel Nordlinger, University of Melbourne
The 2026 Margaret Dalziel Lecture will be held on Wednesday, 28 October at the College of Education Auditorium.
Visit The Margaret Dalziel Lecture event page for full details
Recent and upcoming events
Latest news from English and Linguistics
05 Nov 2026
The magic songs of the Awajún people of Peru
There is magic in the traditional songs of the Awajún, an Indigenous people of northern Peruvian Amazonia.
29 Oct 2026
SIX60 Scholarships announced for 2027
The line up for 2027’s SIX60 Scholarship has been announced.
28 Sep 2026
Humanities researchers return to Queenstown Lakes for MindJam
A popular annual event is set to return to Queenstown Lakes this Labour Weekend.
05 Sep 2026
Road to Netherworld Dancing Toys began at Otago
After finishing high school in 1980, Nick Sampson told his parents he had no plans for future study. He’d been offered a...
28 Aug 2026
Otago a home and haven for celebrated writer
In a ceremony at the Dunedin Town Hall on Saturday, University of Otago – Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka staff gave two standing o...
25 Aug 2026
Turning to crime pays off for Otago author
A criminally good book has just hit the streets of Dunedin. The perpetrator? Otago kaimahi Molly Crighton.
17 Aug 2026
Publications editor turns children’s book author
With remarkable simplicity, Lisa Dick turned a handful of words into a heartfelt story about love in her debut children’...
24 Jul 2026
Ode to ‘everyday resilience’ scores award for Otago composer
Seeing their piece performed live at the “Olympics of contemporary music” has confirmed something for Otago alum Lucky P...
25 Mar 2026
Otago subjects among the best in the world
Four University of Otago – Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka subjects have been ranked in the top 50 globally.
14 Dec 2025
Takatāpui writer paving the way for community
Essa Ranapiri (Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Pūkeko, Te Arawa) has become the first Māori PhD graduate from the University’s Engl...
11 Dec 2025
Looking at literature that goes 'against the grain'
Have you ever thought that maybe the world is not quite as it seems?
08 Dec 2025
Graduation and directorial debut make for a December Wonderland
Graduation won’t be the only stage close friends Penelope Hare and Tobias Devereux share this December.