About National Poetry Day
Held each August since 1997, National Poetry Day is a much-loved literary celebration that brings people and communities together through poetry.
In 2026, National Poetry Day took place on Friday 28 August. Organisers across Aotearoa found their own ways to mark the occasion, bringing poets and audiences together through readings, performances, workshops, competitions and other creative events.
What came through most strongly was a sense of connection and collaboration. From packed venues to intimate gatherings, people across the motu celebrated the energy, joy and possibilities that poetry can bring to a community.
Thank you to everyone who celebrated National Poetry Day in 2026.
National Poetry Day is funded and governed by the New Zealand Book Awards Trust | Te Ohu Tiaki i Te Rau Hiringa.
From 2016 to 2025, National Poetry Day was proudly supported by Phantom Billstickers. Phantom continues to champion New Zealand's poets by featuring annual Ockham New Zealand poetry finalists on its posters and providing a platform for emerging voices.