Dying Matters Week
Poetry, Art & Storytelling
Death is a very personal experience. One way in which people choose to process their grief is through writing and art.
By sharing stories about death and dying, we believe it helps us all to better understand these experiences, and be better prepared to not only support ourselves but also support others. All submissions are published on this website with a photo of your loved one (if provided) and also printed and displayed at Dying Matters Week venues around New Zealand.
Past Event Posters
Submissions for Dying Matters Week 2026 are not yet open. Please sign up to our newsletter to be the first to be notified.
Dying Matters Week Poetry Collections
We were truly moved by the beautiful poems we received. A heartful thank you to everyone who contributed your words. It has been an honour to read your stories, and we’re excited to share them now through our resources section. View all submissions…
Beth Smith Poetry Collection
We are incredibly grateful to Beth Smith for sharing her beautiful poetry with such courage, honesty and compassion during Dying Matters Week 2025 at Hihiaua Cultural Centre.
Beth’s hope in offering her words was to help others who are grieving feel less alone and inspire them to explore writing as a way to navigate their own journey through loss.
Your poems moved us, Beth, with their raw emotion and honesty. We hope they encourage others to put pen to paper as a way to give voice to feelings and find moments of healing.
If you are interested in holding an exhibition of Beth’s work, please contact us at hello@gowithgrace.nz
