Poetry takes over: celebrations set to sweep across Aotearoa

Get ready to celebrate the power of poetry, Aotearoa! Phantom Billstickers National Poetry Day 2024 is scheduled for Friday 23 August, and a packed programme of close to 100 official events is revealed today, showcasing the nation's love of poetry.

“At Phantom Billstickers”, says CEO Robin McDonnell, “National Poetry Day is a celebration that reminds us of the power of words to bridge gaps and touch hearts. In a world often divided by uncertainty, poetry stands as a beacon of unity and hope.”

“As we unveil this year’s exciting lineup, ” Robin continues, “let's come together to experience the joy, reflection, and connection that poetry offers. In these times of change, let poetry be our constant - a force for good that unites us as a community. ”

You'll find poetry everywhere in late August: on buses, written on pavements, displayed on projected screens, and even emerging from typewriters. This vibrant annual celebration of words and creativity offers something for everyone.

"You don't have to be a literary scholar to write or recite a poem," says Richard Pamatatau, poet and spokesperson for programme coordinators, the New Zealand Book Awards Trust Te Ohu Tiaki i Te Rau Hiringa. “On Phantom Billstickers National Poetry Day, we are all invited to share our joys, fears, and challenges by expressing what often comes to mind, and to share our emotions in a way that resonates with everyone."

You can immerse yourself in the rhythm and energy of hip-hop poetry, contribute your own verses to an endless poem, or dive into the excitement of a poetry slam. There are also numerous workshops available, where you can hone your craft and connect with fellow poetry enthusiasts.

Among the many events, one standout opportunity is a special workshop hosted by Red Room Poetry with Grace Yee, winner of the Mary and Peter Biggs Award for Poetry at the 2024 Ockham New Zealand Book Awards. This webinar, set for Thursday 22 August, continues the collaboration between Phantom Billstickers National Poetry Day in New Zealand, and Australia’s Poetry Month. It offers an excellent chance for established and aspiring poets alike to learn from Grace Yee's distinct voice as she explores characterisation and voice, scene-setting and polyphony in poetry.

New Zealand Poet Laureate Chris Tse is embarking on an exciting poetry tour with multiple events lined up, including a stop at Hamilton Book Month, an appearance at the Ōrongohau / Best New Zealand Poems event, and a special National Library event on National Poetry Day, chairing a lively session featuring international poet Jean Chan.

Find the full Phantom Billstickers National Poetry Day programme of events here: https://www.nzbookawards.nz/national-poetry-day/calendar-of-events