Writers on Mondays – Ōrongohau: Best New Zealand Poems 2024
The International Institute of Modern Letters presents a series of events highlighting the very latest work of Aotearoa New Zealand writers. A lively and stimulating way to begin the week.
Editor Nick Ascroft introduces a selection of excellent New Zealand poets to read their work in a warm-up for National Poetry Day.
Mon 18 Aug 2025, 12.15–1.15pm
Rongomaraeroa, the marae, Level 4
Free event with museum entry
Join editor and poet Nick Ascroft as he introduces a crackling selection of New Zealand poets from his edition of the annual online anthology Ōrongohau | Best New Zealand Poems.
You'll hear readings from James Brown, Robin Peace, Simon Sweetman, Stacey Teague, Philomena Johnson, Kiri Piahana Wong, Zephyr Zhang, and others as they share their selected work.
The event will also celebrate poems by the late Fleur Adcock, Vincent O'Sullivan, and Paula Harris.
This gathering serves as a warm-up to Phantom Billstickers National Poetry Day, showcasing the diversity and vitality of contemporary New Zealand poetry in one dynamic session.
Top left to right: Philomena Johnson; Nick Ascroft photo by Ebony Lamb Photographer; Stacey Teague photo by Ebony Lamb Photographer; Kiri Piahana Wong photo by Dedee Wirjapranata.
Bottom left to right: James Brown photo by Russell Kleyn; Robin Pearce photo by Sally Haughton, Simon Sweetman photo by Gerry Keating; Zephyr Zhang photo by Trinity Thompson-Browne