Calendar of Events
Phantom Billstickers National Poetry Day 2022 was held on the 26th August 2022!
Scroll on down to explore the vivid, fabulous selection of events that happened on the day. There were workshops, poetry walks, slams, hospital poetry, beach events, pavement events, musical evenings, book launches, poets in conversation, poetry maps and much more! This was our 25th year, and it was exceptionally exciting to see all the amazing events happening in person all around the motu.
Phantom Billstickers National Poetry Day 2023 will be held on the 25th August 2023! Look out for the National Calendar reveal on the 2nd August.
Quick Menu: Regions
International | Nationwide | Northland | Auckland Region | Waikato/Coromandel | Bay of Plenty/Rotorua | Gisborne/Hawke’s Bay Region | Taranaki | Manawatū/Whanganui | Wellington/Kapiti Coast | Nelson Region | Canterbury | West Coast | Otago
Welcome to the National Calendar of Events 2022!
INTERNATIONAL
Aotearoa NZ National Poetry Day in Berlin 2022
Celebrating Aotearoa New Zealand's Phantom Billstickers National Poetry Day with an evening of poetry, music, biscuits and friendship. With: a reading of Aotearoa New Zealand poetry from Angela Dwyer, music from Jamie Collier, poetry from Sandra Sarala and You - sharing your favourite poems from Aotearoa New Zealand welcome!
Entry Details: KOHA.
Date/Times: Friday 26 August, 2022. Door: 20:00 | Start: 20:30 | End: 23:00
Location: Z-Bar Berlin, Bergstraße 2, 10115 Berlin Mitte, Germany
Contact: Sandra Sarala, sandrasarala@yahoo.com
Further Info: https://fb.me/e/2mDLKWCiy
AUS-NZ Poetry Month Showcase
Presenting this New Zealand Aotearoa / Australian Showcase in partnership with Phantom National Poetry Day and Ockham New Zealand Book Awards. The lineup features Mary and Peter Biggs Award for Poetry winner Joanna Preston along with finalists Tayi Tibble, Serie Barford and Anne Kennedy along with the Crystal Arts Trust Best First Book of Poetry Winner, Nicole Titihuia Hawkins and special guest Marlon Williams. Featured writers from Australia include Jazz Money, Bebe Backhouse, Sachém Parkin-Owens, Elfie Shiosaki and Poetry Month Ambassador, renowned singer songwriter Archie Roach.
Presented in partnership with Phantom Billstickers National Poetry Day and Ockham New Zealand Book Awards.
Event Details: Tune in via Red Room Poetry's main FB feed from 6pm AEST / 8pm NZ Thurs 26 August.
Date/Time: Online only. From 23 Aug 2022 - 8pm - 9pm Contact: poetryday@nzbookawards.org.nz or https://www.facebook.com/redroompoetry
Further Info: https://redroompoetry.org/events/aus-nz-showcase/
CELEBRATING 25 YEARS OF POETRY WITH 25 POETS
As part of our 25th anniversary celebration, we are bringing you 25 poems from 25 distinguished poets. Prize winners, Ockham finalists, accomplished poets and emerging talent, who have had their poetry pasted on billboards on our streets over the past 25 years by our brilliant sponsor, Phantom Billstickers (who celebrate and even bigger milestone this year, at 40 years!) We’ve asked each poet to share some thoughts about the poem selected, which will accompany the billboard image. Look out for these using our hashtag #NZPoetryDay25 on our social media in the leadup to our 25th celebration, Phantom Billstickers National Poetry Day on and around 26 August 2022.
Entry Details: Free Virtual Event
Date/Times: 15th July – 26th August
Location: Online Event, Nationwide
Contact: Erica Stretton poetryday@nzbookawards.org.nz
Further Info: #NZPoetryDay25 https://www.facebook.com/NZPoetryDay
NATIONWIDE
The Poetrybrick
Each year poet David Merritt will laboriously hand stamp a few hundred banana box book covers, glue inside each one of them an A3-sized poem, folded and bound. Gather up “bricks” of 23 different poems and put them in an appropriate box along with curator notes. Send #poetrybricks out to 13 different locations around the country. There the poems are available to be read by anyone, at their own leisure, at no cost.
Date/Times: August 26th:
Locations: Hanger Gallery – Whangarei, Search & Destroy - Ponsonby Auckland, St Heliers Public Library – Auckland, Mighty Cafe - Okato Taranaki, Opunake Public Library – Taranaki, Snails - Palmerston North, Firebird Cafe – Levin, The Miracle Room – Featherston, Black Coffee - Newtown Wellington, National Library Bookshop – Wellington, Takaka Public Library, Lyttelton Coffee Co – Christchurch, The Curious Dog – Christchurch, The Grainstore Gallery - Oamaru, Asterix Books – Dunedin, Morning Magpie Cafe – Dunedin. Each event has a local organiser / curator.
Contact: All email enquiries can be funnelled through to David Merritt - lrfpress@gmail.com
Further Info: instagram.com/dm807169/ https://discord.com/channels/922571951124394074/992343079719800899 is a Discord channel for co-ordinating local event organisers and media enquiries https://discord.gg/wpnv4sT9Z2 is an invite link. Hashtags I use are: #NZpoetryday, #poetrybrick, #poetryinabox, #landroverfarmpress
Poetry While You Wait International
Poetry While You Wait on Phantom Billstickers National Poetry Day, 9am to 9 pm, en zed time, online. After a video call chat, or Facebook msg, or email, Raewyn Alexander writes any style of poem for you, (except a saga), about anything, for anybody. Takes 15 minutes to an hour, depending on style and length; a copy's sent online to you.
Entry Details: Free to any age
Date/Times: 26 August 2022 9am - 9pm
Location: online Facebook, email Raewyn, or FB message.
Contact: raewynalexandergood@gmail.com or Raewyn Alexander on Facebook
Further Info: https://www.facebook.com/events/737570490903324
Mad Doggerel Cabaret: A national Arts on Tour NZ Tour
This entertaining show will bring three nationally-eminent artists to halls and venues throughout Aotearoa New Zealand, including a National Poetry Day performance at the National Library in Wellington on Friday 26 August. Two poets and a musician combine to present a comic and lyric portrait of Aotearoa New Zealand and its place in the South Pacific today. Their Mad Doggerel poetry cabaret is full of cascading words, wild musicality and lightning humour. David Eggleton, the current Poet Laureate of Aotearoa 2019 - 2022, Daren Kamali a co-founder of the South Auckland Poets' Collective and Richard Wallis a Dunedin-based classical guitarist.
Entry Details: Ticket information and prices on www.aotnz.co.nz
Date/Times: See www.aotnz.co.nz
Location: See www.aotnz.co.nz
Contact: Steve Thomas aotnz@xtra.co.nz
Further Info: www.aotnz.co.nz
Northland
Whangarei
Fast Fibres Poetry 9 Book Launch
Get together with your friends and family to celebrate the launch of Fast Fibres Poetry 8, Northland’s own poetry anthology. Be enthralled with diverse and interesting new poetry from some of our best poets including Vivian Thonger, Shelley Arlidge, Arthur Fairley, Olivia Macassey, Piet Nieuwland, Malcolm Ford, and many other talented word-players.
Entry Details: Free to enter. Open to all.
Date/Times: Thursday 18 August, 5 to 8pm
Location: ONEONESIX, 116 Bank Street, Whangarei
Contact: pietn@outlook.com
Play with Poetry
Create your own poems. Read your poems. Listen to poetry being read. Display poems on screens. Meet poets.
Entry Details: Free to enter. Open to all.
Date/Times: Friday 26 August, 3 to 6.30pm
Location: Creative Northland, Railway Station, Railway Road, Whangarei
Contact: pietn@outlook.com
Auckland Region
North Auckland
North Shore
Central Auckland
West Auckland
South Auckland
East Auckland
North Auckland
AJ Bell and the Poets
Kumeu Live presents AJ Bell in Concert with local poets in celebration of Phantom Billstickers National Poetry Day. The Poets are Arthur Amon, Brett Reid, Anita Arlov, Andrea Malcolm and Gillian Roach. The evening will start with the poets reading their work and then combining their poetry with musical performances by AJ Bell and band. All ages welcome.
Entry Details: $25.00. Open to all ages.
Date/Times: 27 August, 8.00pm, doors open at 7.30pm
Location: Kumeu Arts, 300 Main Rd Kumeu.
Contact: guywishart1@gmail.com.
Further Info: BYO venue, Eftpos available, Tickets from UTR: https://www.undertheradar.co.nz/gig/79823/AJ-Bell-And-The-Poets---Phantom-Bill-Stickers-National-Poetry-Day-Event.utr
Poetry on the Beach
Come and write your own, original poem on the sand at Orewa Beach. There will be a people’s choice prize for the best poem on the day, and poems will be judged after the event by Siobhan Harvey.
Your poem can be short or long, you can be creative with formatting and layout, and you are welcome to decorate your poem with natural materials that are found in the beach environment. Come along, and let your imagination run wild!
Poetry on the Beach is a wrap-up event for National Poetry Day.
Entry Details: $5, open to all ages and all levels of poetic experience, register online at https://poetryonthebeach2022.wordpress.com/
Date/Times: Saturday 27th August 2021, 12:30pm-1:30pm (poem writing on beach); 2pm-3pm (poetry reading and prizes).
Location: Poetry writing at Moana Reserve, Orewa Beach, 317 Hibiscus Coast Highway, Orewa, Auckland, New Zealand. People’s prize draw and poem reading afterwards at Orewa Library, 12 Moana Ave at 2pm.
Contact: Kristin Stock, kmstock@actrix.co.nz
Further Info: https://poetryonthebeach2022.wordpress.com/
Poetry on the Line
Bring along your printed poem on one A4 or smaller page to peg onto the line outside the library. Shorter poems with larger print are recommended for ease of reading, but not essential. Embellish your page with artwork or a frame to make it stand out. The poem does not have to be your own work, but the poet must be acknowledged. Poems will be accepted between 9am and 9.30am on Friday morning, or you can drop your page into the library the day before.
Entry Details: Free. Open to all ages.
Date/Times: 26 August, 9am-5pm
Location: Orewa Library, 12 Moana Avenue, Orewa
Contact: sandra.sinclair@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
Further Info: https://www.facebook.com/events/1667461900313670/
Hibiscus Coast Puhoi National Poetry Day Event
Readings of your own or others' poems. Poetry readings will be interspersed with original songs, and poetry-based fun activities and raffles. A special "pot luck" prize from among the poets who present an original poem or song.
Wine, coffee, beer and food available throughout the evening.
Entry details: Gold coins please to contribute to expenses
Date/Times: Thursday August 25th from 7.15 pm -9.15pm
Location: Sugar Loaf Beach Bar, 38 Waiwera Road, Waiwera
Contact: Diane Newcombe 021483849 dianenewcombe@hotmail.com
Further info: https://sites.google.com/view/hbc-poetry/
North Shore
Open Mic Poetry
Open mic poetry event to celebrate National Poetry Day in the library. Bring some of your own poetry to share and/or your favourite poems by others that mean something to you. No registration required. All welcome.
Entry Details: Free, all welcome, no booking required.
Date/Times: Thursday 25 August, 10am-12pm
Location:East Coast Bays Library, 8 Bute Road, Browns Bay, Auckland
Contact: eastcoastbaysworkroom@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz 09-377 0209
Further Info: https://www.facebook.com/EastCoastBaysLibrary
Central Auckland
POETRY IN PLACE
Poetry in Place is a collaboration between Te Toka Tumai Auckland (ADHB) and the University of Auckland, sponsored by the A+ Trust.
This installation of 24 poems across Auckland City Hospital, Starship, and Greenlane Clinical Center is an exciting opportunity to showcase some of Aotearoa’s best poets, whilst providing a moment for patients, whānau and staff to pause, reflect and engage with creative work. This moment of positive distraction is an occasion to sit in the wairua in a way we don’t often get to here, celebrating the intersection of creativity and healing.
The poems have been curated to consider elements of the human experience we often traverse in a hospital context, giving a language to the breadth of life, joy, pain, resilience and every-dayness experienced here.
Each poster has a QR code so readers can learn more about the poem and the poet on the website.
Entry Details: Free. Open to all ages.
Date/Times: throughout August
Location: Auckland City Hospital, Starship, and Greenlane Clinical Centre
Further Info: https://www.aramanawa.com/projects/2022/poetryinplace
Samesame but Different LGBTQIA+ Festival Poetry Speakeasy and open mic
After having to postpone the Samesame but Different LGBTQIA+ Literary Festival Poetry Speakeasy and open mic we are excited to announce that our free event is happening on August 16th in association with PRIDE, Leys Institute Little Library and We Read Auckland. A key part of the SSBD Festival since 2017, the Speakeasy is an evening of rainbow poets and poetry centred on an open mic for emerging, aspiring and established queer poets, with host Michael Giacon. This year we welcome guest reader essa may ranapiri, author of the astounding new book, Echidna. Come along to read, listen and enjoy in our welcoming queer word nest.
Entry Details: free
Date/Times: Tuesday, 16 August | 6–8pm
Location: Studio One Toi Tū, 1 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby(Karangahape Rd end)
Contact: samesamebutdifferentnz@gmail.com
Further Info: For venue Covid and accessibility information http://www.studioone.org.nz/
Poetry Central
Join the Isthmus poets for a wonderful evening of poetry at the Auckland Central Library. The Isthmus Poets are Alexandra Fraser, Michael Giacon, Gillian Roach, Lincoln Jaques, Denise O'Hagan and Maris O'Rourke. They will be joined by special guest Kit Willett, poet and editor of Tarot journal. There will also be an Open Mic for new and emerging poets. Come along and share what you've been writing! Celebrate Phantom National Poetry Day 2022 with Isthmus and emerging poets.
Entry Details: Open to all. Free event.
Date/Times: Wednesday 24 August 2022, 6pm - 7.45pm
Location: Central City Library, 44-46 Lorne Street, Auckland City Centre
Contact: Gillian Roach gkroach@gmail.com
Further Info: https://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/.../poetry.../
Music-Poetry Jam Night
To celebrate National Poetry Day, the UoA Poetry Club has teamed up with Cassette Nine and Phantom Billstickers to bring you Music-Poetry Jam Night! No matter what kind of poetry you’re fond of - spoken word poetry, written poetry, rapping or songwriting, just to name a few - this is your opportunity to share your voice.
We are serving finger foods, a $10 teapot special, and there will be some amazing featured performers so keep an eye out on our page!
Sign-ups to perform are open, use the QR code or link: https://forms.gle/7frfcPRx2E5dJVhy7
Alternatively email us at uoapoetryclub@gmail.com
Entry Details: Free for performers. Koha/gold coin at entry. Event open to anyone over 18.
Date/Times: August 24th, 8pm – 10pm
Location: Cassette Nine, Auckland CBD
Contact: UoA Poetry Club, uoapoetryclub@gmail.com
Further Info: Facebook Event: https://fb.me/e/1GogFsOqI
AUT National Poetry Day Event
Come celebrate and participate in Phantom Billstickers National Poetry Day 2022 with our community poetry reading at AUT. Postgraduate, undergraduate and staff poets will read a poem or two before members of the public join us in offering their open mic reading. Sign up on the day for the open mic if you're interested; time/space permitting.
Entry Details: Free, Open to All, gratis food and drink provided.
Date/Times: Friday 26th August midday to 2 pm
Location: WY027, WY Building, AUT, 12 Mayoral Drive.
Contact: Dr Siobhan Harvey, siobhan.harvey@aut.ac.nz
INTERGENERATIONAL PLAY: IRELAND, KENNEDY, TIBBLE
AUCKLAND WRITERS FESTIVAL WAITUHI O TĀMAKI
Three generations of talented poets come together to share work from their new collections, and to talk with each other about the literary influences, inheritances and preoccupations that have informed their practice. What connects them and what separates them? Kevin Ireland brings us Just Like That: New Poems; Anne Kennedy, the 2022 Ockham New Zealand Book Awards-shortlisted The Sea Walks into a Wall; and Tayi Tibble, the Ockham Awards-shortlisted Rangikura. A triumph of collections from three astonishing poetry masters. Supported by Deadly Ponies.
Entry Details: Free Entry
Date/Times: Friday 26 August – 2.00-3.00pm
Location: Auckland Writers Festival, Limelight Room, Aotea Centre
Contact: programme@writersfestival.co.nz
Further info: www.writersfestival.co.nz
‘Found’ Poetry at Mount Roskill Library
This Phantom Billstickers National Poetry Day, join Mount Roskill Library in celebrating ‘found’ poetry! ‘Found’ poetry uses words found elsewhere to create new poems, and encourages seeing the poetic in the everyday. Come along to take part in a blackout poetry workshop, where we will form blackout poems by drawing over sections of text, leaving behind only a few words. You will also get to listen to inspiring readings of their ‘found’ work by local poets Anuja Mitra, Holly H. Bercusson, and Tate Fountain.
Entry Details: Free. Open to all ages.
Date/Times: Friday 26th August, 4:00-5:30pm
Location: Mount Roskill Library, 456 Mount Albert Road
Contact: Hebe Kearney, hebe.kearney@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
Further info: https://www.facebook.com/events/519158400007983/?ref=newsfeed
All Tomorrow’s Poets 2022
Join us for our famous yearly event, All Tomorrow's Poets on NZ National Poetry Day! Embracing new and emerging voices, cutting-edge poetry and multi-disciplinary approaches, All Tomorrow's Poets brings together a community of writers, readers and makers to celebrate burgeoning New Zealand talent and new movements in poetry. With the help of Compound Press, we will also be compiling a zine of this year’s talent. This year our readers are Chris Holdaway, Selina Ershadi, Elizabeth Morton, Anisha Sankar, Manon Revuelta, and Roman Sigley.
Entry Details: $5 entry (includes zine). All Ages. BYO wine and beer. No RSVP required.
Dates/Times: Friday 26th August, 6pm-7pm
Location: Upstairs at Time Out Bookstore, 432 Mt Eden Rd, Mt Eden, Auckland 1024
Contact: Roman @ books@timeout.co.nz
Further info: https://www.timeout.co.nz/upcoming-events/atp2022
SONGS OF A POEM @ SOAP DANCE HALL
STREETSIDE: BERESFORD
AUCKLAND WRITERS FESTIVAL WAITUHI O TĀMAKI
Beautiful words inspire musical interpretations as the four 2022 Ockham NZ Book Awards poetry finalists pair up with talented musicians from the Ockham Collective to celebrate Phantom Billstickers National Poetry Day. The poets read, the musicians respond, magic may happen (an event in the STREETSIDE: BERESFORD programme, Auckland Writers Festival Waituhi o Tāmaki).
Pairings: Anne Kennedy & Vanessa Kelly; Serie Barford & Eamon Edmundson-Wells; Tayi Tibble & Harpistina; Joanna Preston & Joella Pinto.
Entry Details: Free Entry
Date/Times: 4 x 15 minute sessions between 6.15-7.45pm on Friday 26th August 2022
Location: SOAP DANCE HALL, 12 Beresford Square, Auckland
Contact: programme@writersfestival.co.nz
Further info: www.writersfestival.co.nz/beresford
‘NOSCE TE IPSUM’–KNOW YOURSELF
Poetry and Psychoanalysis are both confronted with the question: Nosce Te Ipsum (γνῶθι σεαυτόν)-know yourself. How Psychoanalysis and Poetry understand this question might be different; and the answers can be as infinite, as the experiences of analysis are.
What do Psychoanalysis and Poetry have in common? Maybe a sort of unknown matrix of the drive towards getting to know oneself. Psychoanalysis talks about unconscious, preconscious and conscious processes. Poetry deals with the art of creating poems, while the poem is the result of poetry. Both can offer an approximation to the ‘Nosce Te Ipsum’ question.
The New Zealand Institute of Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy (NZIPP) is keeping a space open whereby poetry and psychoanalysis can meet and enrich each other. The aim is to facilitate an experience whereby writing and sharing poems can be experienced by using a psychoanalytic lens.
Entry Details: All are welcome. Registration: $20, students $10. Please book by payment
to NZIPP account: 38-9016-0052471-00 by 24 August
Date/Times: Friday 26 August 2022 at 7-9:30 pm
Location: Jubilee Building, 545 Parnell Rd, Parnell, Auckland. And available remotely via Zoom; a link will be sent upon registration.
Contact: gloriana.bartoli@gmail.com
Further Info: NZIPP Webpage http://www.psychotherapy.co.nz
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/New-Zealand-Institute-of-Psychoanalytic-Psychotherapy-704667686334359
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/nzipp-nz-institute-psychoanalytic-psychotherapy-4b0b18231/
Word – The Front line Semi- Finals Heats!
In its 9th year, Word - The Front line is the only event of its kind in Aotearoa. At the start of the year 100’s of students from around Tāmaki Makaurau came together to compete at the Word - The Front Line Regional Heats. Now the top 14 teams will perform to see who will make it through to the Grand Slam. More than a poetry slam, it is a poetic mosaic of incredible young poets and visionaries. Come along and celebrate their artistry. Facilitated by Action Education and the South Auckland Poets Collective. Visit our website for a full list of teams, Heat Times, and poets.
Entry Details: Gold-Coin Donation
Date/Times: Semi Finals 1: Aug, 27th Semi-Finals 2: Sept. 3rd 1PM-4PM
Location: Auckland Town Hall Concert Chamber
Contact: Ken Arkind | ken@actioneducation.co.nz
Further Info: www.actioneducation.co.nz
New Dawn
The Polynesian Panther Party was a revolutionary social justice movement formed in the 1970s to target racial inequalities in Auckland. Fifty years on, in an electric evening, a new generation picks up the baton to challenge racism, celebrate mana Pasifika, and call for enduring change. Hosted by original Panther Melani Anae, Associate Professor of Pacific Studies at the University of Auckland and author of The Platform: The Radical Legacy of the Polynesian Panthers, this will be a night of enlivened performances featuring: rapper, recording artist and The Panthers television programme collaborator Diggy Dupé; IIML National Schools Poetry champ Caitlin Jenkins; Samoan/Māori rapper Kenzie from Welly; 2020 Pacific Music Award’s Best Pacific Male Artist Poetik; spoken word champ and Samoan/Tongan activist Eric Soakai; SPYCC from the award-winning rap group SWIDT; and winners of the Word the Front Line Grand Slam Alani Leahe’uhila and Eniseleni Ali.
Entry Details: Tickets available via ticketmaster
Date/Times: Sat, 27 Aug 2022, 8:30pm – 9:30pm
Location: Heartland Bank Room (Hunua Room), Aotea Centre
Contact: programme@writersfestival.co.nz
Further Info: https://www.writersfestival.co.nz/programmes/event/new-dawn/1482686/
Black Forest: Poets of the Pacific
Aotearoa has seen an explosion of poets rise over the past decade. Like trees in a forest, they each grow in different ways. We are thrilled to present this power panel of Pasifika poets, from grassroots emerging to established and beyond. Our very first Pasifika Poet Laureate Selina Tusitala Marsh joins spoken word artists Aigagalefili Fepulea’I Tapua’i and Zech Soakai. In this solid hour of poetic justice, the writers talk all things poetry with Lana Lopesi.
Entry Details: Tickets available via ticketmaster
Date/Times: Sunday, 28th August 12:30pm – 1:30pm
Location: Limelight Room, Aotea Centre
Contact: programme@writersfestival.co.nz
Further Info: https://www.writersfestival.co.nz/programmes/event/black-forest-poets-of-the-pacific-marsh-soakai-tapuai/1482695/
West Auckland
Rangatahi Poetry Showcase
New Lynn War Memorial Library invites you to our Rangatahi Poetry Showcase!
Rangatahi poets share their words with friends and whānau, and we celebrate the publication and launch of a dedicated book of their collected works, which will also become available in the Auckland Libraries catalogue, through Auckland Council Connected Communities.
The published book will be available to purchase via cash donation on the night, with all proceeds going straight to the poets!
Submissions open until 8 August: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScsanVefQ6uO4iCahMqQPp3nRsCCLm_FuNHGXfuOWTDPRuFcg/viewform
Entry Details: Free Entry, No Bookings Required.
Date/Times: 25 August, 6.30pm – 8.30pm
Location: New Lynn War Memorial Library, 3 Memorial Drive, New Lynn, Auckland 0600
Contact: Divyaa Kumar, Divyaa.kumar@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
Further Info: https://fb.me/e/1BsvuLgbi
Open SPACE Poetry Night
7.30pm - Open Mic - all welcome 8pm - Guest Poets: Matt Brown, Gus Simonovic and Sila Numen
9pm - Poetry meets film in a kaleidoscope of animation and video art inspired work by Martin Sercombe, Guy Yarrall and others.
10pm After Party * email gus@cloud99nz.com with your favorite track (can be: poetry, performance poetry, rap, hip-hop ANYTHING spoken word based) to be added to the listening list for the Afterparty.
Entry Details: Free. All are welcome.
Date/Times: Friday 26th August 7pm
Location: SPACE Creative Hub, 46 Wharf Rd, Te Atatu, Auckland
Contact: Gus Simonovic gus@cloud99nz.com
Further Info: https://fb.me/e/2ClUYrEpQ
South Auckland
Found Poetry
Imagine picking up a piece of an old newspaper from the sidewalk and watching as the language suddenly rearranges itself into poetry before your very eyes. Even while it's not always as clear, "found poetry" is just as magical.
Poetry can be found in text anywhere, including newspaper articles, magazine articles, and even television commercials.
Finding the poems concealed inside common material is the key to "found poetry."
A "found poetry" is created when you take the words that someone else has written and rearrange them or collage them to give them new meaning.
Entry Details: Free event open to all
Date/Times: 27th August 2022 Start time: 11 a.m. End time: 1 p.m.
Location: Takaanini Community Hub | Papakura Local Board
30 Walters Road, Takaanini, Auckland 2112
Contact: renusik02@gmail.com (0273536337)
Further information: Facebook event page (Book on: Our Stories On Plate : https://fb.me/e/1JAWSD1As)
East Auckland
SONG & POETRY THING WAIHEKE
Waiheke’s renowned Song & Poetry Thing takes place the last Thursday of each month at SOL Bar & Café in Oneroa and is open to poets, singers and musicians performing original material. Sign up is 6.00pm for a 6.30pm start.
A poet, writer, singer or musician is featured as a guest artist at each event. Previous guest artists include multi-award winning writer Lloyd Jones, musician blues duo Hurricane Shayne Wills & son Zephyr and US performance artist Amanda Palmer. An upcoming evening will feature Poet Laureate David Eggleton. To coincide with Phantom Billstickers National Poetry Day the August Song & Poetry Thing (Thursday 25th) will highlight local published and up-and-coming poets in the featured artist slot. Poets are: Mike Johnston, Leila Lees, Sue Fitchett, Mitch, and Noa!
Come along and hear the magical, wise, arresting and challenging words of Waiheke poets. It’s always an amazing evening!
Entry Details: Free, but koha appreciated.
Date/Times: Thursday 25th August, 6.00pm sign up, show starts at 6.30pm, finishes approximately 9.30pm
Location: Sol Bar & Café 139 Ocean View Road, Oneroa, Waiheke (just up the hill from the Matiatia ferry)
Contact: Julie Biuso julie@sharedkitchen.co.nz Katy Soljak katsun@xtra.co.nz
This Little Poem Went to Market
Join award winning children’s songwriter Claudia Robin Gunn at Howick Village Market celebrating Phantom Billstickers National Poetry Day this year. Claudia performs a fun song cycle of singable children’s classic poetry putting new melodies to old words, bringing words to life for today’s youngsters in Howick Village Market in amongst the crafts, produce, art and more. Bring your family along for this free event, and wander around and be inspired by the power of poetry unleashed as you browse the wares on display. All ages welcome.
Entry Details: Free. Open to all ages.
Date/Times: 27th August, Market open from 8am, performances 10am and 11am
Location: 91 Picton Street, Howick, Auckland
Contact: Claudia Robin Gunn, claudia@littlewildmusic.com
Further Info: www.facebook.com/claudiarobingunn
Poetry and Music
National Poetry Day will be celebrated at Howick Library with a display of New Zealand Poetry books and a video post of poetry reading accompanied by cello music.
Entry Details: Free event at the library
Date/Times: Monday 22nd to Friday 26th August, 2022
Location: Howick Community Library, 25 Uxbridge Road, Howick, Auckland
Contact: Victoria.cawkwell@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
Further Info: https://www.facebook.com/howicklibrary/
Waikato/Coromandel
Hamilton
Poetry Walk
Come and help us celebrate National Poetry Day with a poetry walk starting at Riff Raff Statue and moving to Browsers Bookshop, Creative Waikato and Wintec's Social Space in Collingwood St. We've invited a range of emerging poets to read their work: Abigail Marshall, Bianca Rogers-Mott, Brittany Rose, Bruce Cooper, Dadon Rowell, Imé Corkery, Jessie Burnette, Liam Hinton, Liam McBreen, Mark Prisco, Maryana Garcia, Melody May (fka Melody Wilkinson) led by Aimee-Jane Anderson-O'Connor.
Our final stop will have zines and poetry books for sale from emerging and established Kirikiriroa poets.
Entry Details: Free event, all welcome.
Date/Times: Friday 26 August 5:30-7:30pm
Location: Start at Riff Raff Statue, outside Waikato Museum,1 Grantham St, Hamilton
Contact: Aimee-Jane Anderson-O'Connor poetry.hbm@gmail.com
Further Info: www.hamiltonbookmonth.com
facebook.com/hamiltonbookmonth @hamiltonbookmonth @HamBookMonth
Taupo
National Poetry Day - 25th Anniversary Celebration
Whether you are well-versed in verse, or you don’t know your Hone Tūwhare from your James K. Baxter, or your Janet Frame from your Bill Manhire, you are invited to celebrate the 25th anniversary of National Poetry Day with an afternoon of live poetry readings at Taupō Library.
For the 25th year of this one-day national poetry extravaganza, the Taupō U3A Poetry group would love you to head down to the Taupō Library and spend an enjoyable and thought-provoking hour listening to live readings of poetry from Aotearoa New Zealand and around the world.
All are welcome to come along to this free event. Bring along a poem to share if you wish! No booking is required.
Also, keep an eye out for out our poetry display in the library and for poetry spilling out onto the streets and walkways around town.
Entry Details: Free, all welcome, no booking required.
Date/Times: Friday 26 August, 2 – 3 pm
Location: Taupō Library, Story Place, Taupō
Contact: taupolibrary@taupo.govt.nz
Further Info: https://www.taupodc.govt.nz/community/libraries/news-and-events
Bay of Plenty/Rotorua
Katikati
Share a Poem
Since the conception of National Poetry Day, Katikati dance teacher/writer Gaye Hemsley has organized a selection of events to celebrate the occasion. This year she will be visiting two retirement villages giving out daffodils and reading some humorous poems.
At 11.30 lovers of poetry are invited to The Arts Junction 36 Main Rd Katikati to share a poem.
Katikati residents are asked to take a walk in our local Haiku Path, email one of the featured haiku to gayehemsley@gmail.com to go into the draw to win a bundle of new poetry books.
Entry Details: Daffodil Day donation appreciated
Date/Time: 11:30am, 26th August
Location: The Arts Junction 36 Main Rd Katikati
Contact: gayehemsley@gmail.com
Gisborne/Hawke’s Bay Region
Napier
Wardini Books Poetry Extravaganza 2022
Wardini Books Poetry Extravaganza 2022 for Phantom Billstickers National Poetry Day. Join us Friday 26th August 2022 to celebrate #NZPoetryDay Your Way! Take a page of print and try Blackout Poetry! Wow us with some Found Poetry! Try your hand at DADA Poetry! And our typewriter will be available for Street Poetry!
Date/time: Friday 26th August 2022 / All day
Location: Wardini Books Havelock North, 16 Te Mata Road Havelock North
Wardini Books Napier, 46 Hastings Street Napier
Contact: Louise Ward, books@wardini.co.nz
Further info: Wardini Books on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/wardinibooks
Napier Live Poets – Taking it to the streets!
Live poetry outdoors in the CBD from some of Hawke’s Bay’s leading poets, including Duncan Bowles, Jeremy Roberts, Ian McQuillan, Jacklyn Night, Jason Dunn, Liam Farris, and many others …
Entry Details: Free event
Date/Times: Friday 26 August at 11:00
Location: Emerson Street, Napier CBD
Contact: Jeremy Roberts 021 02798395
Taranaki
New Plymouth
Open Mic Poetry Evening
An evening for professional and amateur poets alike to share their poetry or listen to others. All welcome, no registration required.
Entry Details: Free
Date/Times: Wednesday, 24th August, 6pm – 7.30pm
Location: Puke Ariki Library, 1 Ariki Street, New Plymouth
Contact: Erin erin.maessen@npdc.govt.nz
Further Info: Visit our website: https://pukeariki.com/ Or check out our digital What’s On guide: http://online.anyflip.com/wshf/taps/mobile/
Haiku Exhibit
Get ready to count those syllables and see how much fun can be had with Haiku - a short but powerful unrhymed form of poetry. Be entertained and inspired by the variety of Haiku on display written by all ages. Why not have a go at adding your own haiku to the exhibit?
Entry Details: Free. Open to all ages.
Date/Times: Saturday 27th & Sunday 28th August 2022
Location: Gover Street Gallery, New Plymouth
Contact: Helen Griffiths poet@thebandanabard.com
Further Info: Event listed on Pop Up Poetry Taranaki Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/events/4759442994160890
Free Poetry Workshop for Adults
Join Mikaela Nyman esteemed local poet, novelist and non-fiction writer for a wonderful 2 hours of writing. Her first poetry collection När vändkrets läggs mot vändkrets (2019) was nominated for the Nordic Council Literature Prize 2020. Her work has featured in publications in Aotearoa and the Nordic Countries. Her first novel Sado (2020) was published by VUP. Her long-standing collaboration with Ni-Vanuatu writers includes a Vanuatu womens’ anthology, as well as facilitating creative writing workshops and poetry events in Port Vila. This is a not-to-be missed opportunity. Registration essential as places are limited.
Entry Details: Free.
Date/Times: Saturday 27th 2022 1pm -3pm
Location: Gover Street Gallery, New Plymouth
Contact: Helen Griffiths poet@thebandanabard.com
Further Info: Event listed on Pop Up Poetry Taranaki Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/events/871214574267502
Free Poetry Workshop for Kids
Helen's 25 years of experience working as children’s speech language therapist and primary school teacher have instilled a passion for words, children and education. She has achieved success as a poet in New Zealand having been published by Phantom Billstickers and New Zealand Poetry Society. In addition she's performed multiple times at WOMAD and been a featured poet in the Ad Lib Literary Festival 2018 , Taranaki Arts Trail 2019 and Spiegelfest 2019, Festival of Lights 2019 & 2020 and contributed to Verb Festival Wellington 2020. Her debut children’s book ‘Treasure Beyond Measure’ evolved from a poem she wrote for Conservation Week in 2017. It has since become a best-selling literary adventure! This is a not-to-be missed opportunity. Registration essential as places are limited.
Entry Details: Free.
Date/Times: Saturday 27th 2022 3.30pm -4.30pm
Location: Gover Street Gallery, New Plymouth
Contact: Helen Griffiths poet@thebandanabard.com
Further Info: Event listed on Pop Up Poetry Taranaki Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/events/524822802750424
Poets, Pins and Pizza
Pop Up Poetry Taranaki celebrates 5 years by hitting Bowlarama in New Plymouth. We’ll be aiming for fun with some poetic challenges. Strikes and spares optional! Pizza available to order.
Entry Details: Admission cost for those who want to play/eat. RSVP to Helen at 02102456720
Date/Times: Friday 26th August 2022 7.30pm
Location: Bowlarama, 188 Devon St West New Plymouth
Contact: Helen Griffiths poet@thebandanabard.com
Further Info: Facebook Event at Pop Up Poetry Taranaki: https://www.facebook.com/events/505115728021978
Manawatū/Whanganui
Pass it-on Poetry
Come along to your local Library and have fun creating unique poems in collaboration with others! The first line of the poems will be provided (or you can come up with your own). The poems will be passed around, each person adding a new line until your starting poem comes back to you for the final line. You have now helped create a brand new collaborative poem. Anyone welcome, cuppa/biscuits provided. This event is free to all, and no registration is required. Just turn up on the day!
Date/Times: 25 August 2021, 2.30pm
Location:
Dannevirke Library, 1 Station Street, Dannevirke
Woodville Library, 45 Vogel Street, Woodville
Pahiatua Library, 167 Main Street, Pahiatua
Contact: library@tararuadc.govt.nz
Further Info: Tararua District Library | Facebook| Tararua District Library (NZ) : Te Whare pukapuka o Tāmaki-nui-a-Rua (wordpress.com)
Cut-Up Poetry
Celebrate National Poetry Day at your local community library by creating your own Cut-out Poems. Take words from magazines (provided) and re-hash them to make your own unique poem. Anyone welcome. Morning tea provided. This event is free to all, and no registration is required. Just turn up on the day!
Date/Times: 26 August 2022, 11.00am
Location:
Dannevirke Library, 1 Station Street, Dannevirke
Woodville Library, 45 Vogel Street, Woodville
Pahiatua Library, 167 Main Street, Pahiatua
Ekētahuna Library, 31 Main Street, Ekētahuna
Contact: library@tararuadc.govt.nz
Further Info: Tararua District Library | Facebook| Tararua District Library (NZ) : Te Whare pukapuka o Tāmaki-nui-a-Rua (wordpress.com)
Eketahuna
Poetry Open Mic Evening
Join us for an evening of poetry on the open microphone. Bring along some poetry to recite either your own, or your favourite poets, or both. Light refreshments provided.
Date/Times: 24 August 2022, 6.30pm-8pm
Location: Ekētahuna Library, 31 Main Street, Ekētahuna
Contact: library@tararuadc.govt.nz or call – Ekētahuna Library 06 376 0114
Further Info: Tararua District Library | Facebook| Tararua District Library (NZ) : Te Whare pukapuka o Tāmaki-nui-a-Rua (wordpress.com)
Wellington/Kapiti Coast
Wellington Central
Lower Hutt
Upper Hutt
Kapiti Coast
Wairarapa
Wellington Central
Kaishu fanclub: moments of encounter
What happens when you encounter a script you don’t read? What poetic possibilities are in translation (or mystery)? In this three-hour workshop, participants will explore New Zealand’s only collection of Chinese letterpress type, choose a hanzi character, and write creative responses in English inspired by that character.
You will handset your creative response in metal type and produce a collaborative letterpress print using the historic equipment at Wai-te-ata Press.
This workshop is part of the public program for "The Voice of Kaishu: A typographic journey", an exhibition at Wai-te-ata Press from Wednesday 14 September to Wednesday 26 October. Supported by the Spotlight Taiwan program, Ministry of Culture, Taiwan. For more information and related events, see: https://www.wgtn.ac.nz/wtapress/about/news/the-voice-of-kaishu-a-typographic-journey
Entry Details: FREE. Workshops are limited to 15 participants. Please register at https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/2022/kaishu-fanclub-national-poetry-day-letterpress-workshop/wellington-region
Date/Times: Wednesday 24 August, 1-4pm; Friday 26 August, 1-4pm; Saturday 27 August, 10am-1pm
Location: Wai-te-ata Press, Room 006, Level 0 Rankine Brown building (University Library), Kelburn Parade, Kelburn Campus, Wellington, 6140
Contact: Ya-Wen Ho, ya-wen.ho@vuw.ac.nz
Further Info: https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/2022/kaishu-fanclub-national-poetry-day-letterpress-workshop/wellington-region
Pastry and Poetry
You’re invited to breakfast, with Adrienne Jansen from Landing Press and an ensemble of students from Whitireia Publishing. We’re cooking up a celebration of Adrienne Jansen and Landing Press’s poetry – as well as a delectable sneak peek into Adrienne’s upcoming collection, Roll & Break.
Join us for coffee and conversation; for an inquiry into how poetry can enhance our everyday experiences. It’s like a wine match; a tasting ceremony. Come coffee, come breakfast. Come celebrate Phantom Billstickers National Poetry Day.
Entry Details: All ages welcome
Contact: Monique, email: landingpressproject@gmail.com
Date/Time: 8:30-9:30am, 26th August
Location: Level 1, Te Auaha, 65 Dixon Street, Wellington
Further Info: Details and RSVP at https://www.facebook.com/landingpressnz
National Poetry Day at Vic Books
To celebrate the 25th annual National Poetry Day, Vic Books has invited some of Wellington’s most exciting (not to mention some of our favourite) poets to read from new and forthcoming collections. Stop by the bookshop from 12.30-1.30pm for a listen, a snack, and a new book of poetry. Readings from the brilliant talents Anahera Gildea, Nick Ascroft, Leah Dodd, Dani Yourukova, and Joy Holley.
Date/Times: Friday August 26, 12.30-1.30pm
Location: Vic Books Kelburn, 21 Kelburn Parade, Wellington
Contact: enquiries@vicbooks.co.nz
Further info: www.vicbooks.co.nz
25 Years - 25 Languages Open Mic Night
Join the Wellington Branch of New Zealand Society of Authors Te Puni Kaituhi o Aotearoa for a celebration of linguistic poetry. This year, in acknowledgement of the 25th anniversary of National Poetry Day and Indigenous Languages Decade, we have chosen the broad theme of ‘whanaungatanga’ to underpin our headlining event – an amalgamation of 2- to 3-line stanzas submitted by NZSA members in different languages that will be presented on the evening in an audio format. We also invite all budding, secret, and established poets to take the microphone and read a poem from their own collection in their native language.
Entry Details: Koha 3$ for members/5$ for non-members. Event open to all ages. RSVP wellington@nzauthors.org.nz if you plan to read a poem.
Date/Times: 26 August, 6pm to 8pm
Location: Unity Books, 57 Willis Street, Wellington Central, Wellington 6011
Contact: Jana Mittelstaedt wellington@nzauthors.org.nz
Further Info: Facebook Event | Web address
Writing with Wonder
We begin with meditation. Then we walk into the forest. Into an embodied exploration of nature poetry. How does the soundscape of poetry
influence our internal landscape?
We journey into sacred space
with grounding, earth-based ritual.
Then we write.
We’ll draw inspiration from Mary Oliver, David Whyte, John O'Donohue and Rilke.
Join poet and Whitireia publishing student, Harley Bell, as he guides us into the enchantment of nature poetry. Bring a notebook, water bottle, and walking shoes. Be prepared for uphill exercise – it’s Wellington after all.
Date/Times: 1pm, Saturday 27th August.
Location: Charles Plimmer Park (Top of Majoribanks Street)
Contact: Harley, email: harley.gwbell@gmail.com
Further info: https://www.facebook.com/HarleyBellWriter
Flow: Beautrais x de Vegt
Flow: Beautrais x de Vegt is a unique show that celebrates the Whanganui River and the stories of its people. It is made up of sixteen original compositions by Elizabeth de Vegt using poems from Airini Beautrais’ collection Flow: Whanganui River Poems (VUP2017) as lyrical inspiration. The compositions celebrate Beautrais’ poems by exploring traditional and contemporary musical forms, including jazz, working songs, sea shanties, folk, country and pop. More importantly, this unique creative collaboration elevates the stories at its core ensuring they continue to be shared and remembered.
Entry Details: Tickets $20 from UndertheRadar.co.nz, 30% of ticket sales go to maintenance of St Peters on Willis community facilities.
Date/Times: Saturday 27 August, 7.30pm to 9.30pm (with interval)
Location: St Peters on Willis, 211 Willis Street
Contact:awabandnz@gmail.com
Further Info: http://www.flowalbum.com/ Tickets: https://www.undertheradar.co.nz/gig/79337/The-Flow-Collective-The-Flow-Album-Tour.utr?fbclid=IwAR2kP3fKJpzicPQmlXnvMRt4F-IlKOvdESPVp3b6vLqMDf4Ax3kk7G3w5mU
Lower Hutt
Build a Poem at Petone Library
Words, words, everywhere, nor any a thought to think. We supply the words and you bring the ideas to Petone Library’s poetry board.
Entry Details: FREE. For all ages
Date/Times: 15th – 31st August
Location: Petone Community Library
Contact: Rachel Hilson (e) Rachel.Hilson@huttcity.govt.nz
Organising words: Poets reading poetry in Schrödinger's Books
Celebrate New Zealand's National Poetry Day (warm-up event) by coming down to Schrödinger's Books to see some of Aotearoa’s most exciting poets in the heart of Petone. Indulge in our wine and nibbles, as you listen to poems from Anna Jackson (Pasture and Flock, Actions and Travels: How Poetry Works), Rebecca Hawkes (Meat Lovers), Oscar Upperton (The Surgeon’s Brain) and James Brown (The Tip Shop). Q&A and mingling afterwards.
Entry Details: Free! RSVP using Facebook event or by emailing books@schrodingersbooks.co.nz
Date/Times: Friday 19th of August, 6pm
Location: Schrödinger's Books, 137 Jackson Street, Petone, Wellington 5012
Contact: books@schrodingersbook.co.nz
Further Info: https://www.facebook.com/events/720163815729025
POEMS AGAINST SUSTAINABILITY
Gather around the fire at Turere Lodge in the Remutaka Forest Park, with a cup of kanuka tea and the input-provoking card game Poems Against Sustainability. Experience a unique collaboration created by three Featherston artists, working together to tackle sometimes uncomfortable discussions about climate change, their relationship to the land and working with nature – through playing cards.
Entry Details: FREE. Event open to all ages
Date/Times: From Friday 26th August 3pm
Location: Turere Lodge, Remutaka Forest Park
Contact: trampinggentlyclub@gmail.com
Further Info: www.trampinggently.club
National Poetry Day Storytime
Join us for a special Storytime to celebrate the wonders of rhyme and verse!
Entry Details: Free. 5+
Date/Times: Friday 26th August 3.15 – 4pm
Location: Eastbourne Community Library
Contact: Megan Davey (email: Megan.Davey@huttcity.govt.nz)
Organising words: (more) Poets reading poetry in Schrödinger's Books
For the second weekend in a row, Schrödinger's Books is celebrating New Zealand's National Poetry Day with readings from local poets!
Hear poetry from Joanna Cho (People Person), Erin Donohue (Because Everything Is Right but Everything is Wrong), Michael Gould (Aardvarks After Dark), Khadro Mohamed (We're All Made of Lightning) and Simon Sweetman (The Death of Music Journalism).
Q&A and mingling afterwards!
Entry Details: Free! RSVP using Facebook event or by emailing books@schrodingersbooks.co.nz
Date/Times: Friday 26th of August, 6pm
Location: Schrödinger's Books, 137 Jackson Street, Petone, Wellington 5012
Contact: books@schrodingersbook.co.nz
Further Info: https://www.facebook.com/events/478983807406165
Upper Hutt
Upper Hutt Poetry Awards Night
Join us to celebrate our local writers, poets and dreamers! Shortlisted participants from our 2022 Upper Hutt Poetry Competition will share their creative takes on this year’s competition theme “Home” before the official announcement of the competition winners. Bring the family and friends for an evening of storytelling, rhymes and community.
Entry Details: Free. Family-friendly event.
Date/Times: 26 August 2022, 6-7.30pm
Location: Upper Hutt Central Library, 844 Fergusson Drive, 5018 Upper Hutt
Contact: Rhea Fohs, rhea.fohs@uhcc.govt.nz
Further info: https://www.upperhuttlibrary.co.nz/Library-News-and-Blog/Poetry-Competition-2022
Kapiti Coast
Open Mic Poetry Night- If you're a poet, we want to know it!
Come and enjoy a night of poetry on Phantom Billstickers National Poetry Day. Anyone is welcome to come and read their poem, or just sit and listen, at this friendly and inclusive event! The theme for this year’s poetry night is ‘Ten’. This year's theme highlights our successful competition that has been running for a decade, acknowledging the literary talent of Kāpiti!
The results of the ‘If You’re a Poet, We Want to Know it’ poetry competition will be announced. If you haven’t entered the competition, why not pen a poem anyway to share at this event! Poems cannot exceed 10 lines. The print book of the poems entered in the competition will be available to purchase, with the eBook free to download.
Entry Details: Free. All ages welcome
Date/Times: 26 August 5.30-6.30pm
Location: Paraparaumu Library, 9 Iver Trask Street, Paraparaumu
Contact: Nisa Promchot
Further Info: https://www.kapiticoast.govt.nz/libraries
Māoriland Rangatahi Poetry Workshop
Unleash the magic within yourself, put pen to paper, thoughts to script and perform the story you wish to tell at Māoriland Hub in Ōtaki!
As Indigenous peoples storytelling is woven deep within our DNA. From writing, filmmaking, dance, theatre, fine arts, sound design and animation, Māoriland Charitable Trust honours storytelling in all its forms. To celebrate 2022 Phantom Billstickers National Poetry Day, Māoriland is running a one-day poetry workshop for rangatahi with a special guest teacher.
Entry Details: Free workshop for rangatahi aged 12-25 years. Register at: https://maorilandfilm.co.nz/rangatahi/. Registrations close: 25 August 2022
Date/Time: 26 August 2022, 10am-12pm
Location: Māoriland Hub in Ōtaki
Contact: Rangatahi Manager: Aree Kapa Email: aree@maorilandfilm.co.nz
Further Info: See our website for registration form: www.maorilandfilm.co.nz/rangatahi/
Facebook event https://www.facebook.com/events/1247460496057040/
Wairarapa
Featherston Poetry Bomb
Look out for low-hanging poetry. Hanging from fences, in shop windows and tied to trees, poets from William Wordsworth to Selina Tusitala Marsh and heaps in between will be sharing their words. Read them aloud or read them to yourself. Wander round town and see how many you can find. (Clue: There are over 30)
Celebrate Phantom Billstickers National Poetry Day 2022 with Chicken and Frog Bookstore, Featherston Booktown and Phantom Billstickers.
Date/Time: From Sunday, 21 August - Sunday, 4 September (if the wind allows)
Location: Featherston, South Wairarapa. On school fences, the Playground, in store windows and on trees in public spaces.
Contact: Joanna Ludbrook, Chicken and Frog Bookstore (chickenandfrog20@gmail.com)
Further Info: Check the Chicken and Frog Facebook page and my website 'chickenandfrog.co.nz' (tab: Events)
The Dickensian Bookshop
To celebrate National Poetry Day, the Dickensian Bookshop is hosting poetry readings in store throughout the day on Friday 26 August.
Hear The Dickensian Bookshop owner Dave Adams and friends read poetry for all ages. Dave says, “There will be poems that will make you laugh, some that may make you cry, and some that will stir other emotions!”
Drop in to The Dickensian at 78 Fox Street and boost your poetry intake.
Entry Details: Free Entry
Date/Times: 26th August
1:00 PM to 2:00 PM - Poems for Children and Childish Adults
3:00 PM to 4:00 PM - Poetry from the vaults
5:00 PM to 6:00 PM - Poetical surprises
Location: 78 Fox Street
Contact: The Dickensian Bookshop 021 209 9732
Further Info: https://www.thedickensianbookshop.com/
Messines Bookshop: Military History
Popular Hutt Valley poet and author, Keith Westwater, will lead the reading of his own poems based on his book, Home Base - Life as a Regular Force Cadet 1964-1966. Then keen military history fans will read dramatic and heartfelt war poets such as Siegfried Sassoon, Wilfred Owen and others.
Entry Details: Free entry, open to all.
Date/Times: Friday 26th August, 2pm
Location: 76 Fox Street, Featherston
Contact: info@messinesbooks.com
Further Info: https://www.facebook.com/Messinesbooks
Nelson Region
Nelson
Nelson Poetry Map
The Nelson Poetry Map records and shares connections between poetry and places. Contribute poems to our open-access map, tagged to the locations you associate with those poems. Visit http://www.volume.nz/poetrymap.html, add a marker and paste the poem into the box. Visit the locations and read the poems on your mobile device (or to take a virtual tour without leaving home). It is anticipated that wandering poetry readers on National Poetry Day (26 August) will encounter fellow poetry readers at various locations.
Entry Details: Cost: Free. Event open to everybody.
Date/Times: Ongoing
Location: http://www.volume.nz/poetrymap.html
Contact: Stella & Thomas books@volume.nz
Further Info: Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/789660641746850 Website: http://www.volume.nz/poetrymap.html
National Poetry Day Open Mic
Roger Lusby is back to MC the annual Open Mic – now at Nightingale Library Memorial at Tahunanui Beach! Come along and enjoy some poetry or give it a go and read out your own.
Register on arrival if you wish to speak.
Date/Time: Friday 26 August, 12pm
Location: Nightingale Library Memorial
Contact: library@ncc.govt.nz
Further Info: https://www.facebook.com/events/1415596098863068
Poetry for Life with Cliff Fell
A poetry workshop exploring the development of the 'life poem'.
Explore ways in which we write our lives into the poem and create and consider poems with this theme in mind.
Open to poets and writers of all levels
Bookings required. Cliff invites anyone who signs up for the workshop to submit a poem which he will read and give feedback on.
Date/Time: Friday 26 August, 1pm – 2.30pm
Location: Nightingale Library Memorial
Contact: library@ncc.govt.nz
Further Info: https://www.facebook.com/events/432454711768443
Canterbury
Christchurch
Spring: Breakdown, Breakthrough
It's spring, and we are emerging from the cold into a world that holds both possibility and peril. The climate emergency, a pandemic, and cost of living crisis jockey for attention with love and laughter. Two sets – one featuring established writers and one featuring emerging ones – will show you some of Canterbury's best poets grappling with the big issues of the moment. There will also be a short open mic between sets, plus spot prizes.
MCed by the fabulous RikTheMost, don't miss out on this celebration of Ōtautahi poets, brought to you by local poetry supporters, Tūranga, NZ Poetry Society, Canterbury Poets Collective and takahē magazine.
Entry Details: Free. Open to all ages.
Date/Times: 25 August, 5:30-7:30pm
Location: Foundation Café, Tūranga, Christchurch City Central Library, Cathedral Square
Contact: editor@poetrysociety.org.nz
Further Info: https://www.facebook.com/events/622874439318038?ref=newsfeed
Diving In
Come one, come all! It’s time to launch the winner of the inaugural John O’Connor First Book Award – my thoughts are all of swimming by Rose Collins. Join Sudden Valley Press and the Canterbury Poets’ Collective to see it make a splash!
The festivities include readings by shortlisted poets Ciaràn Fox and Jeni Curtis, as well as a panel discussion with Rose, Ciaràn, Jeni, publisher David Gregory, and the CPC’s Erik Kennedy.
Doors open at 5.30 pm for books sales and signings.
Entry Details: Free
Date/Time: Friday 26 August 5.30pm – 7.30 pm
Location: Spark Place at Tūranga, 60 Cathedral Square, Ōtautahi Christchurch
Contact: artymorris@yahoo.com
Further Info: https://www.facebook.com/cantypoet | https://suddenvalleypress.wordpress.com/coming-soon/
West Coast
Hokitika
An Evening of Spoken Word
Come celebrate National Poetry Day with us! Bring a poem to read, one of your own or one of your favourite authors, one that rhymes or one that doesn’t, one you can sing, whisper or hum, all words are welcome, for the pleasure of our ears.
Entry Details: Free Event. Event open to all. Book your free ticket now on our online calendar https://westlib.co.nz/what-s-on/
Date/Times: Friday 26th August- 5.30pm to 7pm
Location: Westland District Library, 20 Sewell Street, Hokitika, 7810, West Coast.
Contact: Pauline LeClerc Pauline.LeClerc@westlib.co.nz
Further Info: for more information, visit our website: https://westlib.co.nz/what-s-on/
Grey District
Local Poems on Tour
To celebrate Phantom National Poetry Day on Friday 26th August, 2022. Individual events will be held at two local rest homes to read Grey District Library Poetry Competition entries including the prize winning poems to residents.
Further info: Closed event; open to rest home residents only.
Contact details: Ollie Witton Ollie.witton@greydc.govt.nz or 03 768 5597
Poet Salon with Gloria of Greymouth
Hear local poets read their poems aloud from the altar of Greymouth's pinkest church, Gloria of Greymouth.
Entry Details: Free, all welcome.
Date/Times:7.30pm Saturday 27th August
Location: Gloria of Greymouth, 77 Packers Quay, Blaketown, Greymouth, 7805
Contact: s.duckorjones@gmail.com
Further Info: https://www.instagram.com/gloria_of_greymouth/?hl=en
Otago
Oamaru
Haiku Pavement Poems Oamaru, North Otago
During the day throughout Oamaru we invite you to celebrate Phantom National Poetry Day 2022 with your own HAIKU PAVEMENT POEM
How: Compose Haiku reflecting the beautiful things in your life. Write your Haiku in chalk at some of the nominated locations below in Oamaru during National Poetry Day 2022:
- · Footpath adjacent to Janet Frame House, 56 Eden Street
- · Ardgowan School grounds, 286 Ardgowan Rd
- · Footpath adjacent to Waitaki Library – 62 Thames Street
- Waitaki Girls High School ground and footpaths adjacent – cnr Trent Street and Thames Highway
- · Or your own nominated, safe, permitted location.
Entry Details: Free entry. Open to all. Write as many Haiku as you like
Take a photo of your Haiku and post it on a National Poetry Day account -
https://www.instagram.com/nzpoetryday/
https://www.facebook.com/NZPoetryDay/
https://twitter.com/nzpoetryday?lang=en
Contact: Fliss Butcher - fliss@newheritage.co
Further Info: twitter @LiteratureAlive (NOLA: North Otago Literature Alive)
Dunedin
Celebrating National Poetry Day: The Music of Poetry
Engage with the music of poetry, the rhythms of stanzas, the melodies of metaphor. Be entertained, be wined and dined, and immerse yourself in the joy of poetry.
PRIOR BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL, ticket includes wine/beer/soft drinks and a selection of savoury and sweet dishes served to the table (please email library@dcc.govt.nz to advise of any dietary requirements when booking)
Entry Details: TICKETS: $15 available from Dunedin City Library (474 3690 or library@dcc.govt.nz)
Date/Times: Friday 26 August | 6pm
Location: 4th Floor | Dunedin City Library
Contact: Dunedin City Library (474 3690 or library@dcc.govt.nz)
Further Info: https://tinyurl.com/NPDDunedin22
The Music of Poetry Adult Workshop with Iona Winter
Join Iona for an experiential journey of sensory exploration. Participants will delve into alternatives to expand their writing practice and create new toikupu. Movement around the library environment will be part of the workshop, and in ways that are accessible for all.
Entry Details: Free entry. Spaces limited- booking essential.
Date/Times: Saturday, 6 August, 11am – 1pm
Location: 4th Floor, City Library
Contact: Phone 03 474 3690 | Email library@dcc.govt.nz
Further Info: Book here: https://tinyurl.com/NPDAdultWorkshop
The Music of Poetry Youth Workshop with Rushi Vyas
Join this workshop to find the poetry in music and to learn how to write poetry that sings! Some poets from the workshop may be invited to read their own poetry at a National Poetry Day event in Ōtepoti.
Entry Details: Free entry. Spaces limited- booking essential.
Date/Times: Saturday, 6 August, 11am – 1pm
Location: 4th Floor, City Library
Contact: Phone 03 474 3690 | Email library@dcc.govt.nz
Further Info: Book here: https://tinyurl.com/NPDYouthWorkshop
Central Otago
Pop-up Poetry Workshop - Queenstown
Uncover new horizons on your literary quest at a poetry workshop led by local writer Bethany Rogers. The session will explore wordplay techniques and poetry prompts. No experience needed – just bring along your writing instruments of choice. Give poetry a go this winter in a shared space for creativity of all abilities! Workshops will pop-up at the Frankton Library and the Queenstown Library.
Entry Details: Free event. Booking required.
Date/Times: 18th August, 5.30pm – 6.30pm
Location: Frankton Library, Hawthorne Drive, Frankton, Queenstown 9371
Contact: Frankton.library@qldc.govt.nz
Further Info: https://fb.me/e/1HJ7YKvFO
Pop-up Poetry Workshop - Frankton
Uncover new horizons on your literary quest at a poetry workshop led by local writer Bethany Rogers. The session will explore wordplay techniques and poetry prompts. No experience needed – just bring along your writing instruments of choice. Give poetry a go this winter in a shared space for creativity of all abilities! Workshops will pop-up at the Frankton Library and the Queenstown Library.
Entry Details: Free event. Booking required.
Dates/Times: 20th August, 11.00am – 12.00pm
Location: Queenstown Library, 10 Gorge Road, Queenstown 9300
Contact: Queenstown.library@qldc.govt.nz
Further Info: https://fb.me/e/3t9DESmMQ
Say it, Louder (for the people in the back)
Join Bright Ink for an evening of open mic poetry to celebrate Phantom Billstickers National Poetry Day 2022. This event is an excellent opportunity for new and emerging local poets of Tāhuna Queenstown to share one of their poems in a friendly and welcoming space at our cozy bookshop. Come along and enjoy some poetry, or give it a go and recite one of your original poems.
Light snacks and non-alcoholic refreshments will be provided. Please bring your own cup.
Entry Details: $5 general admission. Booking is essential. Get your tickets via www.brightink.co.nz. This event is suitable for adults.
Date/ Time: 26 August, 6:30 - 8:00 pm
Location: Bright Ink Bookshop, Cabin 3, 26 Hansen Rd, Frankton, Queenstown
Contact: Natasya at info@brightink.co.nz
Further info: Open mic slots are open to all levels of poetic experience. To secure an open mic spot, RSVP by 22 August to info@brightink.co.nz. For updates, search @brightink.co.nz on Instagram or Bright Ink Secondhand Bookshop Queenstown on Facebook.