Kia ora e te whānau,

In commemoration of the 40th anniversary of the Homosexual Law Reform Bill, we’re partnering with Blackout Poetry Aotearoa to launch a blackout poetry competition inspired by original newspaper articles from the Homosexual Law Reform era. Get creative! 

We would love you to please share this with your networks and fellow creatives.

Poster designed by Hebe Kearney of Blackout Poetry Aotearoa.

Make poetry from history — 40 years of Homosexual Law Reform

Create a blackout poem out of texts from Papers Past, the National Library’s online archive of historic newspapers. We’ve selected articles and advertisements from The Press that were published in the lead-up to Homosexual Law Reform. Together, they capture some of the many different perspectives that existed at the time, as well as the key issues being debated, and tactics used.

These texts aren’t presented as the final word on history. Instead, they’re an invitation to engage with the past, question it, respond to it and create something new from it.

Find out more about blackout poetry and the competition here: Make poetry from history — 40 years of homosexual law reform | National Library of New Zealand

Blackout poetry competition

Once you’ve created your blackout poem, submit it by following the instructions on our website.

Entries will be reviewed and shortlisted by Hebe Kearney from Blackout Poetry Aotearoa. Hebe will be joined by past Poet Laureate Chris Tse to select three winners from the shortlisted poems.

Winning poems will be announced on 28 August 2026, to coincide with National Poetry Day. Winners will receive a book voucher and the judges’ comments will be shared on the National Library blog.

Upcoming pop-up display

For one week only, explore original collection materials relating to Homosexual Law Reform in New Zealand. Come and see a fascinating selection of related materials including posters, t-shirts, flyers, badges and video footage in person. 

The display includes materials from Kawe Mahara Queer Archives, the Alexander Turnbull Library at the National Library, Archives New Zealand and Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision.

When: Saturday 1 August to Saturday 8 August (opening hours: Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm, Saturday 9am to 1pm).

Where: Main Gallery, National Library of New Zealand, 70 Molesworth Street, Thorndon, Wellington

Pop-up display: 40 Years of Homosexual Law Reform | National Library of New Zealand