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How to Loiter In a Turf War: A Novel

by Coco Solid

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A genre-bending work of autobiographical fiction from one of Aotearoa's fiercest and most versatile artists. Like nothing you've read before, How to Loiter in a Turf War is a lucid, genre-bending, cinematic work of fiction from one of Aotearoa's most versatile artists. It's a day in the life of three friends beefing with their own city, Tamaki Makaurau. With gentrification closing in and racial tensions sweltering, the girls must cling to their friendship like a life raft, determined not to let their neighbourhood drift out to sea. Fast, ferociously brilliant, crack-up funny and unforgettably true.

This book is also available in audiobook format
Narrated by: Coco Solid
Length: 2 hrs and 24 mins

'This book paints a picture of the Auckland I grew up in - when waiting for the 025 to town was a gamble, and the answer to the question 'where are you from?' was an essay, not a sentence. Like everything she makes, Coco Solid imbues this book with fierce intelligence, laser-sharp specificity and cosmic warmth.' - Rose Matafeo '

Sharp, funny and dope as hell, How to Loiter in a Turf War is another Coco Solid work of genius. With her piercing prose and expansive worlds, Coco has long been a life-raft for brown kids swimming against the whirlpools of urban realities, and this work is no different. Painfully perceptive, familiar and hopeful.' - Lana Lopesi

'This is one of the most exciting books I've ever read. A celebration and a challenge and an impressive work of art and intelligence.' - Pip Adam

About the Author

Jessica Hansell (Ngapuhi/Samoa) is a writer, multimedia artist and musician from Auckland, long known by her rap nickname Coco Solid. She is the creator of cult Maori cartoon Aroha Bridge with screenwriting credits ranging from comedy Wellington Paranormal to indigenous soap Ahikaroa and is a long-time member of Taika Waititi's Piki Films, producers of her forthcoming science-fiction series Jupiter Park. As Coco Solid, Parallel Dance Ensemble, Badd Energy and Fanau Spa, she has gained a loyal international music following and now heads artist-led record label and production house Kuini Qontrol, which also makes independent film, audio and animation projects.

She is co-director of the Onehunga community space Wheke Fortress. Hansell was named the Fulbright Creative New Zealand Pacific writer in residence in 2018, studying at the University of Hawai'i, where she started writing How To Loiter In A Turf War while researching gentrification in the Pacific. The following year Coco was named a national Arts Laureate by The Arts Foundation NZ. Across all mediums she consistently strives to prioritise Oceanic narratives, wahine, LGBTQIA+ expression and underground creatives of colour.

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