Elixir & Star Press Aotearoa New Zealand is a small, independent publisher based on the West Coast of southern Aotearoa New Zealand, and founded in loving memory of Reuben Samuel Winter (1994 – 2020).
ESP* is a dedicated creative space for the exploration of grief in Aotearoa New Zealand. Our focus is on the creation of a purposeful literary community in Aotearoa, centred on personal grief expression. We appreciate any support with sharing our publications and submission windows, and welcome donations or bequests that support this vital work.
Please note: ESP* does not accept unsolicited manuscripts, and work received outside of current submission windows will not be accepted.
Submissions for our 2026/2027 ESP* grief almanac a liminal gathering 2 open on April 20th and close on May 20th 2026. If you’d like to submit work, details are available below.
Our Publications
In the shape of his hand lay a river (2024) Iona Winter (poetry).
Written as part of a body of work after her son, Reuben Winter, took his life in 2020, Winter’s poetry and incantations weave through bodies of water, while speaking to the coexistence of pain and love.
Limited edition $25 RRP
The inaugural Elixir & Star Press Grief Almanac a liminal gathering was launched in November 2023.
With over 100 contributing multimedia artists, a liminal gathering contains poetry, essays, short fiction, photography, visual art and music.
$ 32.99 RRP
ESP* books are stocked at several independent bookstores and in public libraries nationwide. If your library or bookshop doesn’t have copies, please email: books-elixirandstar@proton.me
Reviews/Media
In the shape of his hand lay a river
Landfall Review Online https://landfallreview.com/she-was-driving-a-scream-into-distance/#more-6294
NZ Poetry Shelf https://nzpoetryshelf.com/2024/05/29/poetry-shelf-review-and-reading-iona-winters-in-the-shape-of-his-hand-lay-a-river/
Rewild Grief with Hannah https://fb.watch/scJDDr1Jrx/
Otago Access Radio Write Spot https://tinyurl.com/IonaWinter
a liminal gathering
Landfall Review Online https://landfallreview.com/our-freshly-decorated-emptiness/
takahē magazine https://www.takahe.org.nz/a-liminal-gathering/
Flash Frontier Writing the last taboo. https://flashfrontier.com/writing-the-last-taboo-alex-reece-abbott-talks-with-iona-winter/
The Guardian, Motueka https://nelsonapp.co.nz/news/sharing-grief-with-words-music-and-art
The Otago Daily Times https://www.odt.co.nz/entertainment/books/new-zealand-shares-its-grief
FlaxFlower Review http://www.flaxroots.com/flaxflower/welcome-first-in-a-new-venture
Iona Winter 