Workshop: Poetry with Emma Neale

Discover new ideas, experiment with language and get your poems flowing in this generative writing workshop led by award-winning New Zealand poet and novelist Emma Neale. Exploring the idea that writing is often about the second thought - revising, reimagining and finding a fresh approach - Emma will help participants spark ideas and begin drafting new poems in a supportive, creative environment. The workshop features a mix of on-the-spot writing exercises, individual exploration and collaborative activities designed to unlock your imagination and encourage unexpected discoveries. Emma will also share practical advice on what makes a poem stand out, from its use of language and imagery to the details that can make it sing on the page and catch an editor’s eye. With seven novels, seven poetry collections and a short story collection to her name, Emma brings a wealth of writing and editorial experience. A former editor of Landfall, she received the Lauris Edmond Memorial Award for a Distinguished Contribution to New Zealand Poetry in 2020 and the Janet Frame Prize in 2025. Her poetry collection Liar, Liar, Lick, Spit won the Mary and Peter Biggs Poetry Prize at the 2024 Ockham New Zealand Book Awards. Whether you're an experienced poet or just beginning to explore poetry, this workshop offers an opportunity to play with words, discover fresh perspectives and leave with the beginnings of new work. Workshop capacity: 18 participants.