Literary Organisations
THE DUNEDIN BURNS CLUB
The Dunedin Burns Club has been celebrating the birth of the Scottish Poet, Robert Burns, since 1861. The club seeks to foster the love of Scottish song and story and is well known for studying his poetry and generally keeping his memory alive and well in the city.
In recognition of this much loved poet, every year on Robbie’s birthday, 25 January, people gather together to listen to readings and learn more about the man and his times. Since 1853, a “Burn’s Supper” is also held with traditional food and drink - this is a much treasured ritual by fans of this legendary poet.
NATURAL HISTORY NEW ZEALAND
Dunedin-based Natural History New Zealand are producers of excellent environmental documentaries on a global scale, and are highly regarded as expert storytellers with state-of-the-art production facilities and a global distribution network. Every month the Dunedin Public Libraries run free film screenings to enable local audiences to view some of the city’s finest innovative films produced by NHNZ.
OCTAGON POETRY COLLECTIVE'S MONTHLY READINGS
Octagon Poetry Collective — Poetry Nights in Dunedin!
Calling all poets, spoken-word lovers, and creative spirits!
The Octagon Poetry Collective brings together local and visiting poets for monthly readings and an open mic in the heart of Dunedin. Whether you're an experienced writer or new to sharing your work, this welcoming session offers a supportive stage to listen, perform, and connect with Ōtepoti’s vibrant literary community.
When: Monthly — second Wednesday of the month at 7pm (check their Facebook page for updates)
Where: New Athenaeum Theatre in The Octagon, Dunedin
What to Expect: Featured guest poets, open mic, warm atmosphere, free entry.
Bring a poem to share or just come and enjoy the words — with drinks and snacks available from the theatre.
All are welcome.
For more information visit facebook.com/octagoncollective
READ NZ TE POU MURAMURA
Read NZ Te Pou Muramura formerly known as The New Zealand Book Council is a small, dedicated and passionate group of people who inspire New Zealanders to read, to write and to spark and share ideas; and to promote and nurture our nation’s writers and writing. One of their flagship programmes is the highly valued Writers in Schools programme, where writers and illustrators visit over 50,000 children and help inspire their creative writing and illustration dreams. Here in Dunedin we are lucky to have a number of gifted writers and illustrators and participating schools who are part of this programme, supported by Creative New Zealand.
THE NEW ZEALAND SOCIETY OF AUTHORS
The New Zealand Society of Authors does a splendid job promoting and protecting the interests of New Zealand writers, with nine branches throughout New Zealand. Founded in 1934 as the New Zealand PEN Centre (Poets, Essays and Novelists) it broadened its horizons and became the New Zealand Society of Authors in 1994, under the presidency of Dunedin writer Philip Temple. Among its first Dunedin members were Owen Marshall, Cilla McQueen and Hone Tuwhawhare.
THE NEW ZEALAND WRITERS GUILD
The New Zealand Writers Guild is a professional association of script writers and represents the professional interests of writers in the fields of film, television, theatre, radio, comics and new media. The Guild’s members include most of the professional script writers working in New Zealand and are committed to working in a way that adheres to the spirit and the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi.