The Fight for Freshwater

Senior researcher Mike Joy became unintentionally world famous when he was invited to speak out about Aotearoa’s polluted waterways in The Guardian during the John Key government. He braved the local backlash and since then has become a prominent science communicator, well-known for his epic advocacy for environmental protection.

Fittingly, he will discuss his life’s work and his fascinating new memoir The Fight for Freshwater with award-winning journalist and former Waikato Times editor Venetia Sherson by the banks of one of Aotearoa’s most important waterways, the mighty Waikato River.

Mike Joy
Ecologist and science communicator Dr Mike Joy is known for his work on water quality and environmental advocacy. A lecturer since 2003, now a senior researcher at Te Herenga Waka University Mike has authored over 80 publications including his memoir he Fight for Freshwater.

Venetia Sherson
Award-winning journalist and former editor of the Waikato Times, Venetia Sherson ONZM is the author of The Open Door about an approach to homelessness, and Amazing Grace: a personal account of a surrogacy experience, with a sequel The Long Road to Summer due in December.

The Fight for Freshwater is part of HamLit 2025 – a captivating literary weekend where authors from around the motu come together with local talent to cultivate sparkling conversations and air fresh ideas in the beautiful environs of the Hamilton Gardens.

Book for three or more shows in a single transaction and receive a 15% discount.

Bring a hat, water and sunscreen.