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
POETRY BETWEEN THE LINES
With the help of a marker pen, find the perfect verse hidden on the pages of recycled, unwanted books, and submit your best work to win a stack of poetry collections.
Then at 6pm on Friday the 22nd, there will be an evening of poetry from Simon Sweetman (The Richard Poems) and Michael Fitzsimons (High Wire), followed by an open-mic, and the announcement of the Blackout Poetry competition winner.
Entry Details: Free. Recommended for 16+
Date/Times: Competition runs 16th - 22nd August. Poetry evening 22nd August, 6pm.
Location: Schrödinger's Books, 137 Jackson Street, Petone 5012
Contact: books@schrodingersbooks.co.nz
Further info: schrodingersbooks.co.nz | submit to read at the open-mic by emailing poems@schrodingersbooks.co.nz
KAPITI COAST DISTRICT LIBRARIES - OPEN MIC POETRY NIGHT
Celebrate Poetry at the Open Mic Poetry Night – the 13th Annual Kāpiti Coast District Libraries Poetry Competition 2025
If you're a poet, we want to know it! “Tomorrow/ Āpōpō”. Come and enjoy a night of poetry at the Phantom National Poetry Day Friday 22 August, 5.30-6.30 pm. at Paraparaumu Library
Anyone is welcome to come and read their poem or just listen in at this friendly and inclusive event. The results of our competition will be announced, and the winners are encouraged to read their poems.
The 2025 print edition of the poetry book, containing all the poems entered in the competition, will be available to purchase at the event.
The eBook is free to read from 6.30 pm, Friday 22 August 2025