Introduction to Poetry

“Poetry is boned with ideas, nerved and blooded with emotions, all held together by the delicate, tough skin of words” – Paul Engle

If you love words and language and/or want to learn how to make your poems sing on the page, then join us for this introduction to writing contemporary poetry.

We will read poems from an eclectic mix of writers, including many exciting Christchurch and Aotearoa poets.  These poems will act as stepping stones or heartbeats into your own bloodlines of words to write through and make discoveries in.

You will learn strategies to get you started, different ways into poems using the bones of structure and form, and how to nerve your poems with ideas and emotion.  There will be tips on editing effectively, and you will gain confidence to share your work in a group and/or for publication and performance.

This course is aimed to appeal to beginners, new writers, poets who need prompting and/or anyone who has an interest in reading and writing poetry with a willingness to learn.

Key details

Level Beginner
Length 8 weeks/16 hours
Fees $124

Tutor

Course availability

Term Date Location Time Tutor Availability Price
Term 2 Wednesday 06 May 2026 Risingholme 6.30 - 8.30 pm Gail Zing 12 spaces left $124.00 Enrol in course

Enrolment into a course is based on first come, first served. Please ensure you are familiar with our terms and conditions including our refund policy. Our courses page contains a summary of all courses we are currently offering. No classes on public holidays.

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Risingholme courses are open to everyone aged 16 and over who are no longer in the school system

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