New Zealand Society of Authors (PEN NZ Inc) Te Puni Kaituhi O Aotearoa

The NZSA / Hachette Mentorship Program open for applications

Writers! An opportunity to be mentored by a publisher The New Zealand Society of Authors (PEN NZ Inc), in association with Hachette Australia and New Zealand, are once again offering the opportunity for one writer to work on a new draft of their completed manuscript under the joint mentorship of Hachette Australia and New Zealand. Now...
NZSA / Auckland Museum Research Grant + Residency Now Open for Applications

Applications are now open for a $5000 research grant and residency for writers wishing to work on a project that will utilise the resources of the Auckland Museum Library as part of the manuscript’s development. The grant also offers the recipient the opportunity to take up four weeks funded accommodation at the Michael King...
Michael Gifkins Prize for an Unpublished Novel 2019 - open for applications

Text Publishing and the New Zealand Society of Authors (PEN NZ Inc) are pleased to announce that submissions for the 2019 Michael Gifkins Prize for an Unpublished Novel are now open. The prize is open to writers holding New Zealand citizenship or who are permanent residents of New Zealand, and, thanks to a generous financial...
What does NZSA membership mean for writers?

"Being a member of the NZSA means not being alone. As a writer, I spend a lot of time in my own head, or holed up somewhere with ink stains on my fingers, or hunched over a computer. The NZSA provides great resources, and opportunities to work with people who can help you make the next...
StartWrite: writing sample and synopsis assessments - assessments still available

StartWrite Writing Sample and Synopsis Assessment Service - for writers who want to get an appraisal for part of their work. Writers can send in a piece of writing, up to 6,000 words (for poetry up to 24 pages), and a one page synopsis. Comic / Graphic novelists need to send in a synopsis...

New Zealand Society of Authors (PEN NZ Inc) Te Puni Kaituhi O Aotearoa Home

Welcome to the New Zealand Society of Authors

Our Mission
Why you should join us

NZSA is the principal representative for the professional interests of writers. Protecting basic rights to freedom of expression, working to improve income and conditions, promoting New Zealand writing and literary culture. Developing and creating a community for writers.

The right to freedom

of expression

The right to fair reward

Our Writers

The NZ Society of Authors (PEN NZ Inc) has been representing the interests of NZ writers since 1934. We are a community of writers who are proud to include some of New Zealand’s finest writers as members. NZSA fights for freedom of expression through our affiliation to International PEN.

Branches and Hubs

Our eight branches from Northland to Southland offer the opportunity to network with other writers, attend workshops, take part in seminars, enjoy social events, learn aspects of the craft of writing, enter branch specific competitions, and participate in decision-making about the Society.

Membership Benefits

We represent writers of all genres and formats at all stages of their career. We offer information services, professional development programmes, advice and advocacy, awards, grants, residencies and fellowships, promotional opportunities and members discounts.

Latest News

NZSA Oral History Podcast Episode 2: Gordon McLauchlan OUT NOW
18 October 2018
NZSA Oral History Podcast Episode 2: Gordon McLauchlan Through his writing, radio and television projects Gordon McLauchlan is known for his wit, cultural criticism and works of New Zealand history. He also played a critical role in securing authors rights, advocating as president of the NZSA for kiwi writers during
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CLNZ 2018 Contestable Fund Grant Recipients Announced
18 October 2018
Copyright Licensing New Zealand (CLNZ) is once again excited to announce the successful applicants in this year’s round of the CLNZ Contestable Fund Grants. Introduced in 2014, the fund was established to support strategic projects that demonstrate New Zealand publishing growth and development, including within education. The 2018 Contestable Fund
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PEN AMERICA V. TRUMP
18 October 2018
“PEN declares for a free press and opposes arbitrary censorship. It believes that the necessary advance of the world toward a more highly organized political and economic order renders free criticism of governments, administrations, and institutions imperative.” —PEN Charter, 1948 October 16, 2018 Today PEN America, represented by the nonpartisan nonprofit
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All News

MissionPartners

The NZ Society of Authors is proudly supported by Creative New Zealand, Nielsen, First Sovereign Trust, Pub Charity, Your Books, The Web Company, Foundation North, Waitemata Local Board Accommodation Grant