Sara Qasem

Aotearoa New Zealand

Sara Qasem is a Palestinian New Zealand poet, writer, community advocate and educator based in Ōtautahi. Currently completing a Master of Creative Writing at Massey University, her work explores memory, diaspora, belonging, grief and resistance- often drawing on personal and collective histories. Published and performed across Aotearoa and internationally, including in Brazil, her writing centres the stories of her community while exploring the places where grief and resilience meet.

Alongside her writing, Sara serves on the board of a Christchurch organisation dedicated to preventing violent online extremism and is a member of the Changemaker network, contributing to conversations around wellbeing, community and social change. Through her writing, teaching and community work, she is committed to fostering connection, empathy and meaningful change.