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

NZSA Auckland Museum Research Grant and 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...
Inaugural NZSA Laura Solomon Cuba Press Prize Opens

New award for fresh writing with a 'unique and original vision' The NZSA Laura Solomon Cuba Press Prize is an exciting new prize, which celebrates the life and work of the writer Laura Solomon. This prize will be judged within the criteria set by Laura Solomon, for new writing with a ‘unique and...
StartWrite Writing Sample and Synopsis Assessment Programme

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...
NZSA Lilian Ida Smith Award – Recipient Announced!

We are delighted to announce the winner of the NZSA Lilian Ida Smith Award 2020 - writer Safia Archer. With 78 entries for this award, the selection panel of Ivy Alvarez and Michelle Elvy had a tough time deciding on a winner. Safia Archer, will use the award to work...
2020 Graeme Lay Short Story Competition Winners Announced

The 2020 Graeme Lay Short Story competition was awarded last night and for the first time it went to a winner in the South Island. Graeme Lay said that he was heartened by the continued interest in the short story form. "This year, the tenth of the award, there were...
NZSA Mentor Programme 2021 - open for applications

For Writers! Apply now to be mentored by an established writer, poet, playwright or graphic novelist. The NZSA Mentor Programme accepts applications for the 2021 programme from 1 Dec 2020 to 1 Feb 2021. The NZ Society of Authors Mentor programme 2021 seeks applications from writers looking for professional development, a safe space to...
Ko Aotearoa Tātou - We Are New Zealand reading - Wellington

Thursday, 03 December 2020, 6-7.30 pm In the aftermath of the Christchurch terrorist attacks of 15 March 2019, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern declared: ‘We are all New Zealanders.’ These words resonated, an instant meme that asserted our national diversity and inclusiveness and, at the same time, issued a rebuke to...
Ko Aotearoa Tātou - We Are New Zealand reading - Dunedin

Saturday, 05 December 2020, 2.00-4.00 pm In the aftermath of the Christchurch terrorist attacks of 15 March 2019, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern declared: ‘We are all New Zealanders.’ These words resonated, an instant meme that asserted our national diversity and inclusiveness and, at the same time, issued a rebuke to...
The 2021 Kāpiti Writers’ Retreat

26 to 28 February 2021, Waikanae, New Zealand Immerse yourself in writing and conversation this summer. There’s something for everyone–whether you’re new to writing, an established writer, or somewhere in-between. The Kāpiti Writers’ Retreat is happening from 26 -28 February 2021 on the beautiful Kāpiti Coast north of Wellington. This three-day gathering...

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

Welcome to the New Zealand Society of Authors Te Puni Kaituhi o Aotearoa

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 Te Puni Kaituhi o Aotearoa (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

Michalia Arathimos is the New Writer in Residence for Waikato University 2021
15 January 2021
The University of Waikato is set to welcome Michalia Arathimos as the Writer in Residence for 2021. She will start in her new role after Easter and her residency project will be her third novel, Sojourn, which is set in the Waikato. This position is jointly funded by the University
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PEN AMERICA: FAQs on free speech and the Capitol Hill insurrection
15 January 2021
Last week’s lawless insurrection on Capitol Hill raised a series of questions about free speech, the First Amendment, and protest rights. Should presidents be banned from Twitter and Facebook? Should tech companies refuse to host social networks sites like Parler? What defines “hate speech” and “incitement”? This statement was
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Dan Davin Literary Foundation Writer in Residence 2021 – Expressions of Interest
15 January 2021
In 2021 the Dan Davin Literary Foundation is calling for expressions of interest from established New Zealand short story writers to undertake a Writer in Residence based in Invercargill for 3-6 weeks. This is a new residency which we host on a biennial basis and started in 2019. This residency
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MissionPartners

The NZ Society of Authors Te Puni Kaituhi o Aoteroa (PEN NZ) Inc is proudly supported by Creative New Zealand and a range of other organisations. We also take part in industry-wide coalitions and campaigns. Thanks to all those who support us and the literary sector in Aotearoa. For more about each please visit our Partners page.

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