About National Poetry Day
Held each August since 1997, National Poetry Day is a beloved and vibrant literary celebration, bringing communities together through more than 100 events across the motu each year.
From 2016 to 2025, the event was proudly supported by Phantom Billstickers, whose commitment helped shape National Poetry Day into a truly nationwide cultural moment.
In 2026, National Poetry Day enters a bold new chapter. It will take place on Friday 28 August. We look forward to seeing how communities across Aotearoa mark the day and to sharing events from across the country.
Phantom will continue to champion New Zealand’s poets by featuring the annual Ockham New Zealand Book Awards poetry finalists on its posters, while also using its extensive network to provide a platform for the next generation of up-and-coming voices.
National Poetry Day is governed by the New Zealand Book Awards Trust | Te Ohu Tiaki i Te Rau Hiringa.