Octagon Poetry Collective's monthly reading
Wednesday, 9th September 2026 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
New Athenaeum Theatre in The Octagon, Dunedin
Michelle Elvy is a writer, editor and creative writing teacher in Ōtepoti Dunedin. Originally from the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland, she arrived in Aotearoa New Zealand in 2008 aboard her sailboat, her home for nearly twenty years. Her books include two experimental collections: the everrumble, a small novel in small forms, and the hybrid collection other side of better. Forthcoming is ocean sky marble eye (Maungatua Press) and Motion Sickness – launching Sunday, September 13! Motion Sickness was shortlisted in the 2025 Kathleen Grattan Poetry Award and Runner up in the 2026 John O'Connor Award.
Michelle’s recent anthology work includes the multi-lingual collection, Te Moana o Reo | Ocean of Languages (edited with Vaughan Rapatahana), Poto: Iti te kupu, nui te kōrero| Short: The big book of small stories (edited with Kiri Piahana-Wong), with 100 stories in English and te reo Māori, and MAYDAY (edited with David Eggleton and Siobhan Harvey) – a gathering of voices from Aotearoa, an urgent out to the world, coming later this year.
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/Octagon Collective or Instagram/@octagoncollectivepoetry pages 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