Stella Coram
I grew up in a rural town in Bulls in the north island of New Zealand. A Maori girl, who did not speak Maori, I studied French at a ladies’ secondary college because I was placed into a language stream. Read more
Ruff and Ritual: The Politics of Paradise in Papua New Guinea is available
It records my observations and reflections whilst deployed to Papua New Guinea as a ‘trailing spouse’ to my partner, an Australian official working toward the delivery of Australian aid in the public service sector. For a glimpse click https://www.stellacoram.com/read-a-sample/.
What people are saying:
“Ruff and Ritual speaks from the heart” (former Australian official advisor to PNG).
“Absolutely brilliant job. Can’t imagine the blood, sweat, tears and blood that has gone into this” (former Australian official advisor to PNG).
“This is a wonderful piece of writing and I congratulate the author on her effort and insights” (former advisor to Uganda and the UAE).
Updates
The “Black Pearl” of Ohinepuhiawe
In 1975 the Waitangi Tribunal Act was passed in 1975 in Aotearoa-New Zealand. The Act meant that Maori could claim grievance with the Crown for the loss of their land and seek reparation accordingly. In the Rangitikei district of the North Island district is land...
read moreThe Choppy Waters of Risk Analysis and (Mis)Managing the Corona Virus Pandemic in Australia
It has been a tough 2020 for everyone so far and it's not over yet. Having to undergo 14 day isolation following a weekend trip to New Zealand I watched aghast as federal and state leaders twisted themselves in knots trying to avoid any hint of having to take...
read moreWaving a Red Flag: Incitement and the Amoral Abyss of Tolerating Hatred
In January 2020, a couple in the Victorian country town of Beulah raised a flag bearing the swastika on their property citing German ancestry. The response from Council was insipid with all manner of excuses offered to explain why no action could be taken to have the...
read more