WORDS IN WINDOWS: A POETRY POP‑UP FOR EVERYONE

Join us in turning Kumeū Arts into a living, breathing poem! For National Poetry Day 2026, we’re inviting our community to fill the Pip Window Gallery—and windows throughout the building—with words, wonder, and a splash of creativity.

AUT University Creative Writing Programme Leader Richard Pamatatau will lead the workshop with participants picking the themes for some writing exercises.

Write a poem in any language, on paper and watch it become part of a colourful installation. Whether you pen it yourself or have it lovingly handwritten by our team, every contribution adds a new voice to the mix. Expect a joyful patchwork of stories, rhythms, and expressions—spilling across windows and inviting everyone who passes by to pause, read, and be inspired.

Come play with words and help us make something beautiful together.

Entry: FREE for 1 session

Date/Times:
Pop-up workshops: Thursday 13th August | 10.30am - 1.00pm

Words in Windows opening event: Friday 28th August pm (in conjunction with the current exhibition opening celebrations).

Location: 300 Main Road, Kumeu, Auckland 0810

Further information: https://enrolmy.com/kumeu-arts/book-now/183-Words-in-Windows---Workshop-1?emyatb=4w7ygdi444

RANGATAHI SPOKEN POETRY WORKSHOP

A poetry workshop run by children’s poet Annelies Judson with support from adults’ poet Ria Masae. Use the power of poetry to talk about your life, your fears, your joys, your frustrations. The focus is on spoken word but all poets welcome. No obligation to perform your poem!

Entry: Free. For young people aged 13-18

Date/Times: Friday 28th August / 3:30pm -5.00pm

Location: Te Atatū Peninsula Library, 595 Te Atatu Road, Te Atatū Peninsula, Auckland 0610

Contact: Moya Baker, moya.baker@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

Further Info: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Bd944HK2j/

YOUNG POETS LIBRARY LOCK-IN

Join us at the library after hours for poetry activities and pizza! Write your own poem, get involved in some collaborative poetry activities, enjoy reading and listening to some poetry. There will be a chance to perform a poem of your own (or someone else’s!).

Entry Details: Free entry. Bookings required. For children aged 8-12.

Date/Time: Friday 28 August, 5.30-7.30

Location: Te Atatū Peninsula Library, 595 Te Atatu Road, Te Atatū Peninsula, Auckland 0610

Contact: Moya Baker, moya.baker@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

Further Info: https://events.humanitix.com/young-poets-library-lock-in

ILLUMINATED HORIZONS

An immersive inter-arts performance where words, sound, and visuals interweave to explore identity, ancestry, and transformation. Two creative trios and three Wordcore bands bring original, deeply collaborative performances to the stage, with an immersive installation and exhibition at intermission — featuring Blackout Poetry Aotearoa and Yellow Lamp Poetry. Come and lose yourself in a night of bold, collaborative, inter-arts storytelling.

Entry: $21 full / $15 unwaged

Date/Times: Saturday 29 August 2026, 6–9pm

Location: Te Puna Creative Hub, Henderson

Book here: https://events.humanitix.com/illuminated-horizons-2026

Further info: wordcore.net | @wordcore_wayfinders | #illuminatedHorizons