Calendar of Events
WELCOME TO THE 2025 CALENDAR OF EVENTS!
With over 110 events confirmed across the motu — from city slams to rural rhyme nights — this year’s line-up is a powerful testament to the vitality of poetry in Aotearoa. It’s everywhere, and it’s more accessible than ever.
From verse on soda cans to typewriters on the street, hip hop gigs to inter-arts showcases, regional organisers have pulled out all the stops. There’s an inaugural Writers & Poets Festival in Kerikeri, a full week of celebrations in Invercargill — and so much more in between!
To help you find your nearest poetic fix, use the handy region tabs (below and left) to explore what’s happening near you — or venture further afield. Whether you’re a seasoned poet or a curious newcomer, this is your invitation to be part of something big.
On Friday 22 August, let’s come together to celebrate the power of poetry — and watch it shine across the country!
Event Filter
LEAD-IN POETRY READING AND SHARING AT GONVILLE LIBRARY
Entry Details: Free event, All Welcome
Date/Times: 15 August 12.30-2pm
Location: Gonville Library, 44 Abbott Street, Whanganui
Contact: Airini Beautrais airinibeautrais@gmail.com
Further Info: This event is being held as part of our monthly series Gonville Wisdom Circle, which is held on the 3rd Friday of every month at Gonville Library.
A LIBRARIES BOOK CRAWL EVENT – “POETRY AND PIZZA”
Join us for an ‘Open Mic’ night, where our community’s poetry lovers can come and share their art and get rewarded with pizza!
Entry Details: Free - Open to All
Date/Times: 22 August, 6 – 8pm
Location: Firebird Café, 58 Oxford Street, Levin
Contact: Libraries Horowhenua – info@horowhenua.govt.nz
Further information: - Poetry and Pizza - Book Crawl Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-pō, (1) Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-pō | Facebook
PASS IT-ON POETRY – TARARUA DISTRICT LIBRARY
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.
Entry details: This event is free to all, and registration is required. R.S.V.P. to library@tararuadc.govt.nz by Monday 18th August.
Date: Friday 22nd August 2025:
Locations:
Dannevirke Library - 10.30 - 12:00pm
Woodville Library - 10.30 – 12:00pm
Ekētahuna Library - 2:00pm - 3.30pm
Contact: Alice Leadbetter library@tararuadc.govt.nz
Further info: Libraries Tararua Poetry Competition | Facebook
OFF THE PAGE: AN EVENING WITH WHITI HEREAKA AND PEATA LARKIN + OPEN MIC
Whiti Hereaka and Peata Larkin discuss their latest book, You are Here, with Leonel Alvarado AND a poetry open mic.
Entry Details: This is a free event. All welcome
Date/Times: Friday August 22nd at 6pm. Light refreshments and Open Mic sign-up from 5:30 pm
Location: Palmerston North Central Library, 4 The Square
Contact: Gigi Fenster: G.Fenster@massey.ac.nz
PALMERSTON NORTH CITY LIBRARY – BOOK LAUNCH
Join us for a special afternoon of poetry to launch 'Cat's Can't Love' the debut collection by Armelle D. Sousa. 'Cats Can't Love' takes the reader through a journey of love, grief, and letting go. Its verses distill what it means to retain the sweetness of memories without them being tainted by sorrow. Armelle D. Sousa lives in the Manawatū and is studying veterinary Science.
Entry Details: This is a free event. All welcome
Date/Times: Saturday August 23rd at 3.30pm
Location: Palmerston North Central Library, 4 The Square
Contact: Genny Vella, genny.vella@pncc.govt.nz