What's On

Margaret Mahy Illustration Prize 2021

Hachette Aotearoa New Zealand is delighted to announce the Margaret Mahy Illustration Prize is returning for 2021.Margaret Mahy’s books have entertained and enthralled generations of New Zealand readers and this prize offers the opportunity for... Read more…

The Mirror Book In conversation with Charlotte Grimshaw

Growing up behind the family façade.‘It’s material, make a story out of it,’ was the mantra Charlotte Grimshaw grew up with in her famous literary family. But when her life was suddenly turned upside-down, she... Read more…

2021 Hocken Talk Series - Professor Sonja Tiernan: ‘No woman must take a man’s job’: Women and anti-conscription during World War One.

Professor Sonja Tiernan:  ‘No woman must take a man’s job’: Women and anti-conscription during World War One.In the wake of centenary commemorations of the First World War, this talk showcases an aspect that national commemorative... Read more…

Birds 'n Words: a poetryinmotion exhibition curated by Ruth Arnison

Dunedin Public Libraries are proud to be hosting an exhibition of photographs and poetry. Photographer Simone Jackson's photos inspired Jenny Powell and Kay McKenzie Cooke to create poetic responses. Simone Jackson is a professional photographer specializing... Read more…

Exhibition: Te Takarangi – Celebrating Māori scholarship, mātauranga and academic excellence

A joint collaboration between  Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga and the Royal Society Te Apārangi, Te Takarangi provides a glimpse into the rich publishing history of Māori-led-non-fiction work, with a particular focus on the later... Read more…

Once Upon a Sunday: Shaggy Dog Stories and Foxy Fables

Join us for stories of cunning canines and wily foxes. Professional storyteller Kaitrin McMullan as she spins some magical tales to delight children of all ages.Children’s Storypit, Ground Floor, City Library FREE  Read more…

Poetry Event: Meeting Rita by Jenny Powell

Cold Hub Press, Dunedin UNESCO City of Literature and Dunedin Public Libraries invite you to raise a glass and join us for an evening of readings and conversation with the publication of Dunedin writer Jenny’s... Read more…

Public Lecture on Jane Austen in the 19th Century

The Centre for the Book is delighted to be able to welcome back one of our most popular presenters, Prof. Janine Barchas from the University of Texas.  She will be delivering a public lecture entitled,... Read more…

DPLA Monthly Talk Series: Scraps, Stanzas and Stories - Inside the Seasons of Summers exhibition

Did you know New Zealand’s queen of mid-20th century romance was also passionate about poetry and the past? Essie Summers is remembered for her 56 novels, but she explored other genres too.In this talk, Ruth... Read more…

Hocken Talk Series 2021: Professor Robert G. Patman: 9/11 and the Emerging Global Order

Since the late 1980s, the world has experienced a turbulent and prolonged transition to a new international order. If 9/11 demonstrated anything it is that extraordinary national power is no guarantee against political and security... Read more…

Rainbow Book Group and movies

We are excited to announce the launch of our new Rainbow Book Group!Join us on the 3rd Tuesday of each month for hot drinks/snacks and chat about books, films, culture and all things Rainbow. Celebrating... Read more…

Celebrating National Poetry Day: Non-Stop* Poetic Cabaret

Poetry and jazz fuse as a dozen pitch-perfect poets pit their prose against an intoxicating set of instrumentalists. Be entertained, be wined and dined, and immerse yourself in the joy of poetry. Book your seat: ticket... Read more…