Held each August since 1997, National Poetry Day is a beloved and vibrant literary celebration, bringing communities together through more than 100 events across the motu each year.

National Poetry Day is funded and governed by the New Zealand Book Awards Trust | Te Ohu Tiaki i Te Rau Hiringa.

Waimakariri Libraries invite you to celebrate National Poetry Day with opportunities for all ages of the community to share their work, and enjoy poetry created by local poets on the page and the stage.

Poetry Competition
Dig deep, put pen to paper, and share your best poetry with us! Entry is free and open to all ages.
Submit your poem between 3–23 August at any Waimakariri Library. Alternatively, you can email it to: learningconnections@wmk.govt.nz.

Winners will be announced on National Poetry Day, 28 August, and will have their work on display in the libraries and receive a book voucher.

Poetry Reading Group
Enjoy some NZ poetry read aloud and kōrero | talk with fellow poetry–lovers over a cuppa and a biscuit.
Rangiora Library
Friday 28 August, 2-3pm

Fuego Volume 4 Launch
Join us for the launch of Fuego, the World Congress of Poets Literary Journal. Enjoy rangatahi voices, live readings from local poets, and stunning artwork from Waimakariri artists, featured alongside leading poets from Aotearoa and across the globe.
Rangiora Town Hall, Small Theatre
Friday 28 August, 5.30pm
Bookings are required, book now via humanitix