In the 1990’s, I would visit the bookshop of John Quilter (Quilters) on Lambton Quay. I didn’t know John very well then, in fact I barely spoke to him. For years, he was someone I would glance at curiously while sifting through the books that lay flat on a broad table, lifting one at a time to reveal another one underneath; John seated at his book-covered desk, glasses perched on his nose, reading and looking up, always with a gentle smile. John Quilter image: https://www.stu

In February we are lucky enough to be hosting a number of Fringe acts at Undercurrent! Here is the program: Takesie-Backsies Dates: 18, 19, 27, 28 February 2026 Time: 7:00PM Tickets: $15 ( https://tickets.fringe.co.nz/event/446:8313/ ) Noah Levinson (US) brings his immersive storytelling style to Aotearoa in Takesie-Backsies , an original piece of absurd and darkly comic fiction. In 2024 he delighted audiences at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival with his original story, "Of Cou

Sorting through some of my personal stuff this morning I found this newspaper cutting inside an old diary. It’s a review of a pop concert held at the Wellington Town Hall. In the top right of the article you can see, in pen, a date: 15/12/86 and next to it ‘BRILLIANT CONCERT’. I was bewildered, 16 years old; a few months into a clerical job at the Wellington Education Board and surely doomed to remain there until the end of time. Then it seemed to me that little cracks of lig

This month, Helena shares her fascinating experiences living in West Virginia and improving her banjo skills with the renowned instructor...

This month (only slightly late on the mark!), Helena takes you on the journey through the unforgiving urban landscape of Tory Street,...

Each month, our resident literary connoisseur, Philip, will review a book available in the shop - gear up for a unique one this time...

Helena's Storytime Series is back! This episode, Helena discusses learning how to play the banjo, and embarking on an American adventure...

Some unreal performances (and a surprise jam!) from Open Mic at The Undercurrent last week Looking forward to the next session on...

Each month, our resident literary connoisseur, Philip, will review a book available in the shop. Read Philip's review of Are You...

📚NEW ARRIVALS!📚 Dive into fresh reads at Undercurrent! Explore our latest arrivals now. 📖 Fiction: - Aravind Adiga, “The White Tiger”...

✨Helena’s Storytime Series✨ February Episode: The Difference Between Oldtime and Bluegrass Music! 🎶🪕 The video features an Oldtime...

Each month (fingers crossed!), our resident literary connoisseur, Philip, will review a book available in the shop. Read Philip's review...

Our first literary event was a success! Thank you to The Cuba Press for hosting, and to everyone who came down 📚 The evening, featuring...

Our first live show Our first show at our bookshop was an incredible evening filled with artistry and community, and a love of down home...