Laureates line up: A special poetry event featuring our most celebrated poets
Schedule
Thu Nov 27 2025 at 08:00 am to 10:00 am
UTC+13:00Location
Corner Molesworth and Aitken Streets, Thorndon, Wellington, New Zealand 6011 | Wellington, WG
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Eleven New Zealand Poets Laureate line up for poetry, with Fergus Barrowman as MC, in a key event for the National Library’s 60th birthday celebration.A rare gathering of our most celebrated poet. Come along to a poetry reading featuring nearly all living New Zealand Poets Laureate.
It’s been almost 30 years since John Buck created the Te Mata Estate Winery Laureate Award and Bill Manhire became our first Laureate. Both will be there to support an outstanding line-up of poets: Elizabeth Smither, Jenny Bornholdt, Michele Leggott, Cilla McQueen, Ian Wedde, Karl Stead, Selina Tusitala Marsh, David Eggleton, Chris Tse, and Robert Sullivan.
Fergus Barrowman, publisher at Te Herenga Waka Victoria University Press, will MC the event. There will also be special readings to honour the late Vincent O’Sullivan and Brian Turner, shared by Vincent’s son Dominic and Brian’s partner, writer Jillian Sullivan.
This free, public event promises to be a highlight of Wellington’s poetry scene in 2025.
About the New Zealand Poet Laureate Award: https://natlib.govt.nz/about-us/scholarships-and-awards/poet-laureate/about-the-new-zealand-poet-laureate-award
Image: Poet Selina Tusitala Marsh. Photo by Mark Beatty, 2021.
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Where is it happening?
Corner Molesworth and Aitken Streets, Thorndon, Wellington, New Zealand 6011, New ZealandEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
