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!
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POETRY IN THE GALLERIES
This is a free event but registration is required via www.hamiltonbookmonth.com
Entry details: Suitable for those aged 14 years and over
Date/Time: Friday 22 August 12:30-3:00pm
Location: Waikato Museum, 1 Grantham St, Hamilton
Further details: Hamilton Book Month hamiltonbookmonth@gmail.com
Follow Hamilton Book Month on Facebook and Instagram
“Ko te kai a te Rangatira he kōrero”
The food of Chiefs is discussion - Whakataukī.
We will be running workshops with Hamilton Motif Finalists Luca and Sam as well as National Finalist Zemara and published poet Nadia for youth/rangatahi wanting to learn and grow in their art form from 1-3pm.
And then running an open mic from 3pm-4pm.
Entry details: There will be a koha entry. All welcome.
Date/Time: Friday 22nd August, 1pm to 4pm.
Location: Whatawhata Arts Collective
Nau Mai Haere Mai.
NGĀ ART POETRY SLAM
Join us for an electrifying evening of rhythm, expression, and raw emotion at the NGĀ ART Poetry Slam! Whether you're a seasoned poet, a first-time performer, or a passionate listener, this is your chance to connect, be heard, and celebrate the power of spoken word. Poets will take the stage to share original works, competing in a high-energy format where performance, passion, and creativity collide. Bring your truth, your voice, and your whānau for a night of inspiration and connection.
All ages and experience levels welcome – come to perform or just to soak up the vibes.
Entry Details: Performer Entry: Free (registration required), Audience Tickets: Koha / Pay what you can at the door
Date/Time: Friday 22 August 2025 Doors open 6pm
Location: NGĀ ART – 18 Herschel Street, Ngaruawahia
Contact: manager@ngaart.org.nz
SOUTH WAIKATO OPEN MIC
This National Poetry Day, we invite the South Waikato community to celebrate our local poets by sharing your poetry with us at Tokoroa Little Theatre.
Depending on how many poets sign up on the evening, we encourage at least 3 poems each - but if you only have one poem to share, that is fine too!
Entry Details: Free event, R10
Date/Time: Friday 22nd August, 6.00-8.00pm
Location: Tokoroa Little Theatre, Manaia Street, Tokoroa
Contact 027 951 2252 or elvisa.vanderleden@gmail.com for more information.