All local spoken word performers are invited to a poetry slam event at Te Kōputu a te whanga a Toi – the Whakatāne Library and Exhibition Centre – on Wednesday 26 September. Doors open at 5:15 pm and the event kicks off at 5:30 pm.

Spoken word is poetry intended for onstage performance, rather than exclusively designed for the page. At its best, spoken word is a powerful, high-energy form of expression that attracts artists and audiences of all ages, from a wide range of disciplines and backgrounds.

The previous Poetry Slam events held at Te Kōputu have been very successful and many of those who took part are expected to return. The audience also plays an important role, because the judges take audience appreciation into account in selecting the winning entry. 

Topics can range from fun and frothy, to deep and meaningful; be about a life-changing event, or something the poet is passionate about, or an expression of life in general. No props are permitted and performances are limited to three minutes. Entry is free and there will be some great prizes up for grabs.

The library celebrates Te wiki o Te reo Māori not just for one week, but for the whole month of September. Poets are encouraged to perform their work in te reo Māori if they are comfortable doing so.