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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FAST FIBRES POETRY 12 BOOK LAUNCH
Celebrate the launch of Fast Fibres Poetry 12, Northland’s very own poetry anthology on Phantom Billstickers National Poetry Day. Be enthralled for a couple of hours with diverse and interesting new poetry on the theme of Aroha love, from some of the our best poets including Alice Fairley, June Pitman, Piet Nieuwland, Arthur Fairley, Tracie Lark, Olivia Macassey, Shelley Arlidge, John Geraets and many other talented language-artists.
Entry Details: Free. All ages welcome.
Date/Times: Wednesday 20 August, 5pm to 7.30pm
Location: ONEONESIX, 116 Bank Street, Whangarei.
Contact: Piet Nieuwland fastfibres@live.com 027 4805548
Further Info: Facebook Event | www.fastfibres.wordpress.com|
LET’S TALK POETRY
Get together with your friends and family and Let’s Talk Poetry, Share and Discuss Poetry, and Enjoy the Sounds of Live Poetry with some of Northlands finest poets. Bring your poems along to share on Phantom Billstickers National Poetry Day. Let’s celebrate the launch of Fast Fibres Poetry 12, Northlands very own poetry anthology. Enjoy the diversity of new poetry on the theme of Aroha love, from some of the our best poets including Alice Fairley, June Pitman, Piet Nieuwland, Arthur Fairley, Olivia Macassey, Shelley Arlidge, John Geraets and many other talented language-artists.
Entry Details: Free. All ages welcome.
Date/Times: Friday 22 August, 4pm to 6pm
Location: May Bain room, Central Library, Rust Avenue Whangarei.
Contact: Piet Nieuwland fastfibres@live.com 027 4805548
Further Info: Facebook Event | www.fastfibres.wordpress.com
JAZZ AND DUB POETRY
DJ Damo (DJ and Mangawhai poet) and DJ Miss Chan (95bFM Jazz show) present a night of deep grooves and witty words exploring their favourite Jazz and Dub poets. Featuring live poetry performances from Mangawhai poets.
Entry Details: All Ages
Date and Time: Thursday 21st August. 6.30 to 8.30pm
Location: Brewed As Collective. 7/14 Wood St, Mangawhai Heads
Contact: Damian Rowe, day.rowe68@gmail.com
PUB POEMS - MICHAEL BOTUR'S BAD BEHAVIOUR POETRY
Poet and author Michael Botur perform page and pub poems from the collection LOUDMOUTH on the theme of BAD BEHAVIOUR, celebrating Botur's new novel 'Glass Barbie' and Phantom Billstickers National Poetry Day 2025.
Entry Details: Free event - books on sale
Dates/Times: Saturday August 23, 5pm-6pm
Location: Phat House Brewing, 2 Garden Court, Haruru, near Kerikeri, Bay of Islands
Further Information: https://www.facebook.com/PhatHouseNZ/ and https://www.facebook.com/MichaelBoturWriter
NORTHLAND WRITERS, READERS & POETS FESTIVAL
Come to the winterless Far North - August 29-31 for the inaugural Northland Writers, Readers & Poets Festival.
Join Dame Fiona Kidman, poets Robert Sullivan and Cadence Chung, historian Dr Monty Soutar, crime & mystery writers, historical fiction novelists, Booktokers, plus many more!
Friday 29th & Saturday 30th: Cornerstone Church and Hall - Whare Karakia O Manako, 144 Kerikeri Road, Kerikeri, Northland.
Sunday 31st: Kingston House, 123 Hone Heke Road Kerikeri, Northland
Website: https://www.northlandwritersreadersandpoetsfestival.com/
Speakers & panelists: https://www.northlandwritersreadersandpoetsfestival.com/panelist