Verb Wellington Literary Festival
11 – 13 September 2026
Verb Wellington welcomes Jacinda Ardern in discussion with award-winning author Emily Perkins at the St James Theatre. As New Zealand’s youngest prime minister in over 150 years, Jacinda took a people-first approach to policy change. She commanded worldwide respect for her empathetic leadership, and changed assumptions about what a global leader can be — all while being a first-time mum.
In her remarkable memoir, A Different Kind of Power, Jacinda shares stories from her past that shaped the future decision-making that would guide New Zealand through some of the most unprecedented challenges that our country has faced.
Come along and hear a former prime minister tell her story, in her own words. She offers leadership and inspiration in a world where it can be hard to lead from a place of compassion.
Looking for more?
At start of items
Richard Dawkins — 50 Years of The Selfish Gene
23 November 2026Michael Fowler Centre
Professor Brian Cox: Emergence
6 June 2026TSB Arena
Suzanne Vega
6 September 2026St James Theatre
Royal New Zealand Ballet 2026 Season
25 February – 7 November 2026St James Theatre
Wellington Opera — Manon
1 – 7 August 2026St James Theatre
Ireland – The Voyage
28 May 2026St James Theatre
Chris Parker — Take a Good Hard Look at Me
4 September 2026St James Theatre
Jesus Christ Superstar
18 – 28 November 2026St James Theatre
K-Pop Live
13 April 2026St James Theatre | 2:30pm and 6pm