Current Poetry Classes

July 26th, 2026
R4W: Best American Poetry 2025

A single-session Reading for Writing class where we will discuss six poems from the O.G. of national poetry anthologies, Best American Poems 2025, this final edition selected by guest editor Terence Winch. What was exciting poets in the USA this year? Who made the cut? And what constitutes “best”, anyway?

A mixture of close reading, and writing exercises.
Suitable for all levels.

Sunday 26th July 2026
10 am to 1 pm
WEA Hall
59 Gloucester St, Christchurch
Fee: $15

NEW: as a trial, I’m also offering a Zoom link for this class for those who want to attend remotely. Not sure if it will work, so this one is very much an experiment. Proceed at your own risk!

August 2nd, 2026
R4W: The Forward Book of Poetry 2026

A single-session Reading for Writing class where we will discuss six poems from the other side of the Atlantic; The Forward Book of Poetry 2026. Selected this year by judges Lisa Kelly, Hannah Lavery, Sean O’Brien and Rommi Smith from the contenders for the Forward Prizes for Poetry. Is there a typical “British” poem? What subjects were on peoples’ minds? And would we have called these poems “the best”?

A mixture of close reading, and writing exercises.
Suitable for all levels.

Sunday 26th July 2026
10 am to 1 pm
WEA Hall
59 Gloucester St, Christchurch
Fee: $15

July 26th, 2026
R4W: Best Canadian Poetry 2026

A single-session Reading for Writing class where we will discuss six poems from the dark horse, Best Canadian Poems, this year selected by Aislinn Hunter. How does Canadian poetry compare to the writing here in Aotearoa New Zealand? What subjects, voices, styles do we have in common, and is there anything that marks Canadian poetry as “different”?

A mixture of close reading, and writing exercises.
Suitable for all levels.

Sunday 9th August 2026
10 am to 1 pm
Room 3, WEA
59 Gloucester St, Christchurch
Fee: $15
Max 10 people

BONUS: Sign up for all three Best classes for $35!

Winter 2026 Workshop Enrolments