New Zealand Society of Authors & Writers Association – NZ Society of Authors

Jillian Sullivan wins NZSA Peter & Dianne Beatson Fellowship!

Central Otago writer Jillian Sullivan is the recipient of the NZSA Peter & Dianne Beatson Fellowship 2017. Jillian will use the fellowship to work on a collection of creative non-fiction essays (including poetry) set in Central Otago and with a strong conservation base. The $7,000 fellowship is awarded each year to a mid-career or senior writer to...
NZSA / Auckland Museum Research Grants 2017 open for applications.

Two writers research grants open for applications for writers working on a project that utilises Auckland Museum Library facilities. Two WRITERS RESEARCH grants are now open for applications for writers working on a project that can utilise the considerable facilities and resources of the Auckland Museum Library as part of the manuscript’s development. These grants...
NZSA Lilian Ida Smith Award 2017 - apply between 21 July and 30 October 2017

NZSA Lilian Ida Smith Award 2017 Award of $3,000 available to writers over the age of 35yrs The Lilian Ida Smith Award is offered by the NZ Society of Authors PEN Inc (NZSA) thanks to a bequest from Lilian Ida Smith, a music teacher of Whanganui who had a keen interest in the arts. Lilian left part...
Michael Gifkins Prize for an Unpublished Novel - a new literary prize for New Zealand writers

Announcing a new literary prize for New Zealand writers. Entries open 28 July 2017. Text Publishing is proud to announce the Michael Gifkins Prize for an Unpublished Novel, an exciting new award for writers holding New Zealand citizenship or who are permanent residents of New Zealand. Thanks to a generous financial commitment from Ann Hatherly and...
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 - open

StartWrite Writing Sample and Synopsis Assessment Service - for writers and comic / graphic novelists 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...

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

Ben Schrader named recipient of $25,000 CLNZ Writers’ Award
September 22, 2017
Ben Schrader, a freelance historian who specialises in urban history and the history of the built environment, was presented with the CLNZ Writers’ Award in Wellington on 21 September 2017. Ben receives $25,000, one of the highest non-fiction prizes in New Zealand literature, towards his project Won and Lost: Saving New
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Ahead of Frankfurt: Michael Healy on World Copyright Issues Publishers Need to Watch
September 20, 2017
‘Copyright has come to be seen by many outside our industry as an inhibitor to creativity,’ writes Michael Healy ahead of a special session at the Frankfurt Book Fair on proliferating international challenges. By Porter Anderson, Editor-in-Chief | @Porter_Anderson With Michael Healy, Exec. Director, Intl. Affairs, Copyright Clearance Center | @MJHealy
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NZ poets shortlisted for $20,000 Montreal International Poetry Award 2017
September 19, 2017
Eight Australian and two New Zealand poets have been shortlisted for the C$20,000 (A$20,440) Montreal International Poetry Award 2017. Australians shortlisted for the award are S K Kelen for ‘Soldiers’; Christopher Kelen for ‘An Attitude of Waiters’ and ‘The Thieves Have Gone’; Anthony Lawrence for ‘Blue Curtains’; Marjorie Main for
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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