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.
Margaret Dalziel Lecture – The Letter Twisted: Jane Austen’s Love Spells
Speaker: Professor Clara Tuite, University of Melbourne
The 2025 Margaret Dalziel Lecture will be held on Friday, 31 October at the College of Education Auditorium.
Recent and upcoming events
Latest news from English and Linguistics
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.
07 Nov 2025
Supervisor with ‘super positive vibe’ takes top award
Dr Bridie Allan has won the Otago University Students’ Association (OUSA) Overall Supervisor of the Year Award for 2025.
17 Oct 2025
Life becomes art in short story collection
Fatherhood has provided some of the inspiration for PhD candidate John Prins’ recently published book of short stories.
17 Oct 2025
Last minute entrance, lasting impact: Otago tauira ready for national stage
A last-minute entrant with a passion for poetry, an Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka student has given herself the opportunity to pe...