Some feelings arrive knotted together, blissful and aching all at once. Inspired by words from Chris Tse’s new collection Dance-Floor Romance, this electric poetry event invites poets to respond to the line: ‘pleasure and pain share a heart’.

Where longing meets euphoria, and nostalgia pulses through the body like the beat of your favourite pop ballad, Tusiata Avia, Hinemoana Baker, Simon Sweetman, Jackson McCarthy, Helen Rickerby, and Nafanua Purcell Kersel take to the stage with poems that shimmer, sting and seduce.

Hosted by former Poet Laureate Chris Tse, guiding us through the beautiful tension where pleasure meets pain.

Verb's official Festival Bookseller, Unity Books will be on-site bookselling, and the featured poets will be book signing after the event.

This event is part of the 2026 Verb Readers & Writers Festival. Please see verbwellington.nz for more information.

Festival Passes are a great way to save money and enjoy the full festival experience: just $80 for a 4-event pass. They are available until midday Thursday 24 September.

Many thanks to our generous funders, sponsors and members of Verb Community in supporting Verb Readers & Writers Festival 2026.

Contact the host of Fever! A Poetry Gala