Name: Unity Books
Address: 57 Willis Street, Wellington Central, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
Telephone: 04 499 4245
Rating: 4.8

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Alphabet Book Club

Join us at Unity Books Wellington on Monday, 11th May at 6:00 pm for the launch of Joseph Trinidad's essay collection 'Lucky Creatures.' Trinidad explores themes of family, migration, identity, and coming out through personal essays inspired by Filipino folktales and migrant experiences. The event is in-store at 57 Willis Street, Wellington, and is open to all. Celebrate the release of this highly anticipated collection with us.

Unity Books Wellington

Book Launch: Lucky Creatures by Joseph Trinidad

Join us for a lunchtime talk with author Bob Kerr as he discusses his new book, 'The Takoradi Run'. The event will take place in-store at Unity Books Wellington, located at 57 Willis St., on Tuesday, 12th May 2026, starting at 12:30 PM. All are welcome to attend and hear about Kerr's latest work.

Lunchtime Author Talk: Bob Kerr

Join us for a lunchtime event with Hana Buchanan at Unity Books, 57 Willis St., on Friday, 15th May 2026, at 12:30 PM. Hana will discuss her latest book, Kupu Whenua, sharing insights into her poetry and connection to her ancestral lands. All are welcome to attend.

Lunchtime Author Talk: Hana Buchanan

Join us for a lunchtime event with Hana Buchanan, a poet, kaikaranga, kaitito waiata, and yoga teacher from Te Whanganui-a-Tara. She will discuss her latest book, Kupu Whenua, which explores themes of connection, loss, reclamation, resilience, and spirituality through poetry rooted in her ancestral lands. The event takes place in-store at Unity Books, 57 Willis St., on Friday, 15th May 2026, at 12:30 PM. All are welcome to attend.

Poetry Sunday with Iain Britton is an in-store event taking place on 17th May 2026 at 12:00 PM at Unity Books Wellington. The event features Iain Britton, a renowned New Zealand poet, presenting his poetry inspired by Diane Arbus's photography, in a tribute titled 'Uncertain Densities: Poems for Diane Arbus.' The event is open to all and celebrates Britton's latest work, including a limited edition publication. Attendees can enjoy an afternoon of poetry and discussion.

Poetry Sunday with Iain Britton

Christopher de Hamel, a renowned historian of medieval manuscripts, will give a richly illustrated lecture on his life and the journeys of illuminated manuscripts from Europe to New Zealand. The event is scheduled for Tuesday, 19th May 2026, at 12:30 PM at Unity Books Wellington, 57 Willis St.

Lunchtime Author Talk: Christopher de Hamel

Join Eden & Mel for the Unity Wellington Book Club on Thursday, 28th May at 6:10 pm at Unity Books Wellington, 57 Willis St. The event features a discussion of 'Song of the Saltings' by Rachael King, a novel set on the isolated island of Brack where inhabitants follow an ancient bargain involving sacrifices to the creature Glimm. The story explores themes of mystery, tradition, and change as characters Lotta and Moss uncover secrets that threaten their community.

Wellington May Book Club: Song of the Saltings

Jackson McCarthy, a Wellington-based poet of Lebanese, Māori, and Pākehā descent, is launching his debut poetry collection, 'Portrait,' published by Auckland University Press. The event will feature Anna Jackson officially launching the book. 'Portrait' explores themes of desire, time, beauty, and solitude through playful and surreal poetry that blends observation with invention. The launch is scheduled for 6:00 PM on Thursday, June 11th, 2026, at Unity Books Wellington, located at 57 Willis Street, Te Aro. All are welcome to attend and celebrate this literary debut.

Book Launch: Portrait by Jackson McCarthy

Jackson McCarthy, a Wellington-based poet of Lebanese, Māori, and Pākehā descent, is launching his debut poetry collection, 'Portrait,' published by Auckland University Press. The event will feature Anna Jackson officially launching the collection, which explores themes of desire, time, beauty, and solitude through playful and surreal poetry. The launch is scheduled for 6:00 PM on Thursday, June 11th, 2026, at Unity Books Wellington, 57 Willis Street, Te Aro. All are welcome to attend and celebrate this literary milestone.

Portrait by Jackson McCarthy

Join Unity Books & Cuba Press for the launch of Philippa Werry's latest YA novel, 'Degrees of Happy.' The event takes place on Wednesday, June 17th, 2026, at 6:00 PM at Unity Books Wellington, 57 Willis Street. The story follows Tess as she navigates her family's move back to Toytown, dealing with themes of friendship, family, and healing through words. All are welcome to attend.

In-store Book Launch: Degrees of Happy by Philippa Werry

Join us on June 19, 2026, at 6:00 PM at Unity Books Wellington for the launch of 'Among Kinabuhi sa Aotearoa: Filipino Lives in Aotearoa'. The event celebrates a collection that highlights the stories of 14 Filipinos in Aotearoa, exploring their community-building efforts, cultural struggles, and solidarity with tangata whenua. Contributors include artists, academics, and activists engaged in social movements and collective action. The evening includes a discussion and readings, emphasizing active participation in shaping a kinder, more equitable future.

Book Launch: Among Kinabuhi sa Aotearoa

Join us for a Sunday Session at Unity Books Wellington with Roger Horrocks, editor of the revised edition of 'Happy Moments' by Len Lye. Celebrating the 125th anniversary of Lye's birth, the event features unpublished memoirs, photographs, and drawings that depict the artist's remarkable life from poverty to creative prominence. The session takes place on Sunday, 19th July at 5:00 PM at Unity Books Wellington, 57 Willis Street. All are welcome to attend.

Sunday Sessions: Happy Moments by Len Lye (Ed. Roger Horrocks)

Author and musician Gareth Shute will discuss his recent book 'Songs from the Shaky Isles' at Unity Books Wellington. The event includes muso anecdotes and historical insights into New Zealand's musical culture. The talk is scheduled for Wednesday, 22nd July 2026, at 12:30 PM, held in-store at Unity Books Wellington, 57 Willis St. All are welcome, with chairs available for attendees.

Lunchtime Author Talk: Gareth Shute

Join authors Noelle McCarthy and Sue Orr for an intimate lunchtime event celebrating McCarthy's new memoir, 'Stakes'. The event takes place in-store at Unity Books Wellington, located at 57 Willis St, Te Aro, on Friday, July 31, 2026, starting at 12:30 PM. All are welcome, and seats are available.

Lunchtime Author Conversation: Noelle McCarthy & Sue Orr

An event featuring Asher Emmanuel and Carl Shuker discussing their insights on writing about the workplace. The event is scheduled to start on August 6, 2026, at 12:30 PM. Further details about the end time, location, and host are not provided.

The Drama of the Day Job: Asher Emmanuel & Carl Shuker on Writing the Workplace

Unity Books in Wellington is highly praised for its extensive selection of books across genres, knowledgeable and passionate staff, and cozy atmosphere. Customers appreciate its cultural significance, convenient location, and the variety of topics and gift options available. Overall, it is regarded as a beloved and inspiring bookstore experience.

Wellington’s queer culture is vibrant and creative, intertwined with its arts and political activism. The city’s Pride Festival and inclusive spaces reflect New Zealand’s commitment to equality and its laid-back, welcoming atmosphere.

Unity Books

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Events at Unity Books

Upcoming events

July 2026

Lunchtime Author Conversation: Noelle McCarthy & Sue Orr

August 2026

The Drama of the Day Job: Asher Emmanuel & Carl Shuker on Writing the Workplace

Past events (last 90 days)

May 2026

Book Launch: Lucky Creatures by Joseph Trinidad

Lunchtime Author Talk: Bob Kerr

Lunchtime Author Talk: Hana Buchanan

Lunchtime Author Talk: Hana Buchanan

Poetry Sunday with Iain Britton

Lunchtime Author Talk: Christopher de Hamel

Wellington May Book Club: Song of the Saltings

June 2026

Book Launch: Portrait by Jackson McCarthy

Portrait by Jackson McCarthy

In-store Book Launch: Degrees of Happy by Philippa Werry

Book Launch: Among Kinabuhi sa Aotearoa

July 2026

Sunday Sessions: Happy Moments by Len Lye (Ed. Roger Horrocks)

Lunchtime Author Talk: Gareth Shute

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