Phantom Billstickers and the New Zealand Book Awards Trust Te Ohu Tiaki i Te Rau Hiringa are celebrating a landmark decade of partnership as Phantom transitions from its role as principal sponsor of National Poetry Day to a focused mission of street-level poetry advocacy.

After ten years of generous and creative support from the country’s most innovative street poster company, this evolution marks a new phase for both organisations.

Held each August since 1997, National Poetry Day is one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most visible and vibrant literary celebrations, with more than 100 events taking place across the motu each year. The New Zealand Book Awards Trust confirms that the event will take place again in 2026, while the Trust works to secure new funding.

Phantom Billstickers has been the day’s principal sponsor since 2016, a role inspired by the deep personal passion of Phantom founder, the late Jim Wilson. While the principal sponsorship concludes, Phantom is doubling down on its foundational mission: bringing the written word directly to the people where it can be experienced by everyone.

“Our association grew from Jim’s belief that poetry belongs on the streets,” says Phantom CEO Robin McDonnell. “As we look to the future, we want to return to that purest form of support. For us, the street remains the ultimate stage. Placing poems on posters is where we create the most visceral impact, and that is a commitment we will keep forever.”

Phantom will continue to champion New Zealand’s poets by featuring the annual Ockham New Zealand Book Awards poetry finalists on its posters, while also using its extensive network to provide a platform for the next generation of up-and-coming voices.

The New Zealand Book Awards Trust’s poetry spokesperson Richard Pamatatau says Phantom’s contribution has been transformative.

“Phantom’s commitment has helped National Poetry Day become a truly nationwide cultural moment every late August. Their support brought poetry not only into venues and across social media, but also onto streets and walls of our cities. We acknowledge their partnership with deep gratitude and are delighted that Phantom will continue to lend their ‘street voice’ to ensure poetry remains unstoppable and accessible to all New Zealanders.”

Scheduled for Friday 28 August 2026, National Poetry Day 2026 will proceed in a streamlined format, powered by the robust foundation built over the last decade. Events will be promoted nationally through the National Poetry Day website and social media. While seed funding will not be available in 2026, organisers are warmly encouraged to plan self-funded events and share details of these for inclusion in the national listings and promotion.

“National Poetry Day has always been powered by the energy and support of the poetry community itself,” says Richard. “That spirit remains unchanged.”

The Trust is now seeking a new principal sponsor to help shape the next chapter of this long-running, high-profile national celebration.

National Poetry Day offers a unique opportunity to align with a nationwide cultural moment — one in which grassroots writers share the stage with award-winning authors, emerging voices appear alongside the Poet Laureate, and communities across Aotearoa gather to listen, speak and connect.

Organisations interested in discussing partnership opportunities are invited to contact the NZ Book Awards Trust at supportus[at]nzbookawards.org.nz.