National Poetry Day Ōtepoti: Looking back, looking forward
Friday, 22nd August 2025 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Dunedin Athenaeum & Mechanics’ Institute, 23 The Octagon
You're invited to an evening of poetry and music exploring our city’s history – natural, urban and otherwise.
Local poets will share new work that examines our Otago history as well as what this place means to us today, and how it is imagined into our future. The evening begins with a youth poetry event, with results from the 2025 NPD youth competition.
The event also includes the launch of the locally created chapbook anthology A shell-print of waves: Aramoana poems, edited by David Eggleton and Michelle Elvy.
Join a range of Otago talents, from Otago University’s MCW students to award-winning poets, including: Brenda Finlayson, Claire Beynon, Emma Neale, Holly Fletcher, Jackson, John Gibb, Michelle Elvy, Richard Reeve, Robert Sullivan, Sam Montgomerie, Sandie Forsyth & Nicola Thorstensen. And music to light up our night from Simon Eastwood, bass, & Motoko Kikkawa, violin.
Koha entry
5pm Youth Poetry reading and awards
5.45 drinks and nibbles, poetry and music with Simon Eastwood, bass, & Motoko Kikkawa, violin
Plus a raffle! Win a bundle of books worth $150 with your $5 raffle ticket. The book bundle is generously donated by Otago University Press.
Contact: nzsaotagosouthland@gmail.com – for info and to purchase raffle tickets