Literary Organisations
THE DUNEDIN BURNS CLUB
The Dunedin Burns Club has been celebrating the birth of the Scottish Poet, Robert Burns, since 1861. The club seeks to foster the love of Scottish song and story and is well known for studying his poetry and generally keeping his memory alive and well in the city.
In recognition of this much loved poet, every year on Robbie’s birthday, 25 January, people gather together to listen to readings and learn more about the man and his times. Since 1853, a “Burn’s Supper” is also held with traditional food and drink - this is a much treasured ritual by fans of this legendary poet.
NATURAL HISTORY NEW ZEALAND
Dunedin-based Natural History New Zealand are producers of excellent environmental documentaries on a global scale, and are highly regarded as expert storytellers with state-of-the-art production facilities and a global distribution network. Every month the Dunedin Public Libraries run free film screenings to enable local audiences to view some of the city’s finest innovative films produced by NHNZ.
OCTAGON COLLECTIVE/DOG WITH TWO TAILS POETRY READINGS
A guest poet, bookended by two open mike slots, a convivial and collegial atmosphere, delicious vegan and vegetarian fare, and free entry. The Octagon Collective/Dog With Two Tails Poetry Readings offer a regular forum for new and established poets. Penultimate Wednesday every month, organised by Emma Neale, Carolyn mcCurdie, Sue Wootton and Jacob Edmond.
The readings have been running, with various organisers and MCs, on a voluntary basis for at least eight years. Offering a great supportive network for local writers and readers, and showcases many of our top regional writers (Brian Turner, Michael Harlow, Sue Wootton, Richard Reeve, Peter Olds, and many more.)
https://www.facebook.com/Octagon-CollectiveDog-with-Two-Tails-Poetry-Readings
READ NZ TE POU MURAMURA
Read NZ Te Pou Muramura formerly known as The New Zealand Book Council is a small, dedicated and passionate group of people who inspire New Zealanders to read, to write and to spark and share ideas; and to promote and nurture our nation’s writers and writing. One of their flagship programmes is the highly valued Writers in Schools programme, where writers and illustrators visit over 50,000 children and help inspire their creative writing and illustration dreams. Here in Dunedin we are lucky to have a number of gifted writers and illustrators and participating schools who are part of this programme, supported by Creative New Zealand.
THE NEW ZEALAND SOCIETY OF AUTHORS
The New Zealand Society of Authors does a splendid job promoting and protecting the interests of New Zealand writers, with nine branches throughout New Zealand. Founded in 1934 as the New Zealand PEN Centre (Poets, Essays and Novelists) it broadened its horizons and became the New Zealand Society of Authors in 1994, under the presidency of Dunedin writer Philip Temple. Among its first Dunedin members were Owen Marshall, Cilla McQueen and Hone Tuwhawhare.
THE NEW ZEALAND WRITERS GUILD
The New Zealand Writers Guild is a professional association of script writers and represents the professional interests of writers in the fields of film, television, theatre, radio, comics and new media. The Guild’s members include most of the professional script writers working in New Zealand and are committed to working in a way that adheres to the spirit and the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi.