AUT CELEBRATES NATIONAL POETRY DAY 2026

A reading by AUT creative writing students and alumni to celebrate National Poetry Day 2026. AUT readers will share poems and there'll be an open mic. Readers include Michael Giacon, Alexandra Fraser, Lincoln Jaques, Maris O’Rourke, Lola Elvy, Kirsten Warner, Raewyn Alexander and Siobhan Harvey.

All ages welcome.

Entry Details: Free. Open to all ages

Date/Times: 21st August 2026, 11 am to 1 pm

Location: WG608, AUT City Campus, Mayoral Drive, Auckland CBD

Contact: To reserve seats or for further information contact Siobhan Harvey, siharvey@aut.ac.nz

CULTURAL BRIDGES

Cultural Bridges is an initiative to strengthen and integrate international poetry scenes in our community. Therefore, we are bringing together voices from Bangladesh, Fiji, Vietnam, and New Zealand.

Entry: Koha/Donation

Date/Times: Friday 21st August 2026 | 5:00pm - 8:00pm

Location: AUT - Auckland City Centre

MORE DETAILS TO COME

GOD MOTHERS

"We, the daughters of all who came before. We life givers. Mischief makers. We, the last shout in the dark. You have tried praying to your God. Now, call out to a God Mother instead." Join Carrie Rudzinski, Grace Iwashita-Taylor, Jessie Fenton, and Olivia Hall, four of Aotearoa’s fiercest and most renowned poets, for God Mothers – an unforgettable night of poetry, sisterhood, and revelry. In honour of National Poetry Day, come celebrate the many faces of motherhood and otherhood. How We Survive Productions produces award-winning poetic theatre works, featuring empowering and feminist themes.

Entry Details: $20-25. R13. Book tickets at: https://www.iticket.co.nz/events/2026/aug/god-mothers

Date/Times: Thursday 27 August, 8:00 - 9:15pm

Location: Basement Theatre, Lower Greys Avenue, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010

Contact: Carrie at howwesurvivepoetry@gmail.com

Further Info: https://basementtheatre.co.nz/

ALL TOMORROW'S POETS AT TIME OUT BOOKSTORE

Join us for an evening of great poetry and fun people for our 12th straight year running All Tomorrow's Poets at Time Out Bookstore. It's a relaxed event featuring readings from five poets. Always one of the highlights of our year!

Entry Details: Koha, no age limit and no RSVP needed

Date/times: Friday 28 August, 6.00pm - 8:30pm

Location: Upstairs at Time Out Bookstore, 432 Mount Eden Road, Auckland

Contact: books@timeout.co.nz

Further Info: https://www.timeout.co.nz

NATIONAL POETRY DAY WITH SP THE POET

TYPEWRITER POETRY

Visit me (SP the Poet) and my typewriter at Ellen Melville Centre and get an original piece of poetry created and typed for you on the spot for FREE!

Event details: Free. Open to all ages.

Day/Times: Friday 28 August 2026

Locations:
Ellen Melville Centre, Freyberg Place, Auckland CBD | 10am - 12pm

Central City Library, 44/46 Lorne Street, Auckland CBD | 2.30pm - 5pm

CHALK POETRY

Spread some colour and the joy of poetry on National Poetry Day by writing it on the streets of Tāmaki Makaurau! Share some of your own original work or chalk up the ground with a favourite piece. Some chalk will be provided (but feel free to bring more!).

Event details: Free. Open to all ages.

Day/Time: Friday 28 August, 12pm – 2pm (weather permitting)

Location: Outside the Ellen Melville Centre, Freyberg Place, Auckland CBD

Contact: Sophie Procter spnz.writer@gmail.com

Further info: Instagram:@sp_thepoet

NZIPP & CLA POETRY READING AND REFLECTION EVENING

The evening will open with poetry readings by Elizabeth Welsh and Cindy Zeiher. Facilitated by Gloriana Bartoli, the event will then invite poets who entered the NZIPP & CLA National Poetry Day competition to read one poem of their choice. Following the readings, there will be an opportunity for shared listening, conversation, and reflection. Wine and cheese will be served. Koha is warmly welcomed.

Entry: Koha/Donation

Date/Times: Friday 28th August 2026, 7:00pm - 9:00pm

Location: Suite 10, 130 St Georges Bay Rd Parnell, Auckland

Register at: https://form.jotform.com/260528341006852

Attendance via Zoom is available, details upon registration.

WORDS OF LIGHT: AN EVENING OF POETRY AND REFLECTION

Join us for an inspiring evening of poetry, reflection, and meaningful conversation in the welcoming atmosphere of My Little Library. We’ll explore themes of faith, hope, gratitude, and the beauty of the written word through activities, discussion and an open mic (in any language, written by you or your favourite poet!). Whether you're a poetry enthusiast, an aspiring poet or simply seeking a peaceful and uplifting gathering, all are welcome to experience an evening that nourishes both the mind and the soul.

Entry: Koha appreciated

Date/Times: Friday 28th August, 7:30pm -9.30pm

Location: My Little Library, 1484B Dominion Rd, Mt Roskill

Audience: 16+

Contact: mylittlelibrarynz@gmail.com

Register: https://forms.gle/WRwsi8iUrh34T7Hu5