Poetry Night in Dunedin

By Octagon Collective - Mac MacDonald | Posted: Wednesday Mar 18, 2026

Poet and Octagon Poetry Collective committee member extraordinaire, Mac MacDonald, shares highlights from their latest poetry reading:

The Octagon Poetry Collective hosted their second poetry night of 2026 at the New Athenaeum Theatre in Dunedin on March 13.

Kay McKenzie Cooke, as MC, kept the evening clipping along at just the right pace to get through a chocka block open mic list while providing ample time for feature poets, Richard Reeve and Tim Jones, to compare the wisdom of mountains to the foolishness of politicians and the timelessness of the sea to the electoral cycle. Richard also reminded the audience that although there are many wonderful vistas in nature, pissing into the wind is not a good idea; while Tim expressed concern for the mental health of local metalheads in Gore when the annual Country Music Festival is on.

The Octagon Poetry Collective will hold their next poetry night on the 8th of April 2026, at the New Athenaeum Theatre with Teoti (Shorty) Jardine and Natasha Hope-Johnstone and Mac as MC.

Everybody welcome.

More details here: April Poetry Reading with Teoti Jardine and Natasha Hope-Johnstone, with Open Mic! | Facebook

Thanks Mac and Octagon Poetry Collective.