Before setting foot in academia, Mike Joy’s early life included a surprising range of occupations, including time on-farm. Now recognised s a leading freshwater ecologist, science communicator and activist, his memoir looks at the pressures and challenges faced by those who dare to raise their voices, debating the critical environmental issues affecting all of our lives.

Mike’s unique story of personal discovery, challenge and resilience will be published by Bridget Williams Books in June.

Mike will talk about his memoir and answer questions about Facing Realities — energy, biodiversity, climate, degrowth, activism, academia, freshwater, food – an open discussion on where we are, what has been done, and what must be done now.

The afternoon is open to all, free of charge, koha invited.

Dr Mike Joy is the Morgan Foundation Senior Research Fellow in Freshwater Ecology at the School of Geography, Environment and Earth Sciences at Te Herenga Waka/Victoria University of Wellington. He has received several prestigious awards, including the Ecology in Action award, the Old Blue award, the Charles Fleming Award for Environmental Achievement, the inaugural Morgan Foundation River Voice Award, the inaugural New Zealand Universities Critic and Conscience award and the Callaghan Medal for his research and public communication on freshwater ecosystems.

This is part of a public programme brought to you by Wairarapa Word and the Wairarapa Library Service with support from the community and Almo’s Books.