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

NZSA Lilian Ida Smith Award 2020 - apply between 7 August and 31 October 2020

NZSA Lilian Ida Smith Award 2020 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 Te Puni Kaituhi O Aotearoa PEN Inc (NZSA) thanks to a bequest from Lilian Ida Smith, a music teacher of Whanganui...
Explore NZSA's Podcast Library

Have you listened to any of NZSA’s two podcast series? The NZSA Oral History Podcast Series is hosted by our own Karyn Hay, Kiwi broadcaster, NZSA member and author, and takes audio from our author oral history archives. Authors relate their stories of involvement with NZSA, chat about other writers...
Writing as Manaakitanga - WebWorkshop - with Whiti Hereaka

10am to 12pm, Wednesday, 16 September. Story exists in the space between the teller and the audience. Learn how to create space in your writing that is both welcoming and challenging to your reader. Whiti Hereaka is an award-winning novelist and playwright of Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Te Arawa and Pākehā descent, based...
NZSA Peter and Dianne Beatson Fellowship 2020

$10,000 Opportunity for Writers. Calling for applications from writers of fiction, non-fiction, poetry and drama with a literary track record, who are currently working on a new project. This annual Fellowship is awarded each year to a mid-career or senior writer to work on a project that shows a high level...
The short story: character, setting, voice - WebWorkshop – with Catherine Chidgey

10am to 12.30pm, Wednesday, 2 September. This workshop guides you through a range of bespoke writing exercises in order to generate the raw material for a short story. First you will identify a character and begin to flesh them out through consideration of a central desire as well as a...
2021 Gifkins Prize Open for Entries

TEXT PUBLISHING AND THE NEW ZEALAND SOCIETY OF AUTHORS TE PUNI KAITUHI O AOTEAROA (PEN NZ) INC ARE THRILLED TO ANNOUNCE THAT SUBMISSIONS FOR THE 2021 MICHAEL GIFKINS PRIZE FOR AN UNPUBLISHED NOVEL ARE NOW OPEN. The prize, which celebrates the life and work of the writer and agent Michael...
Writing sample and synopsis assessments - subsidised for NZSA members

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...
National Poetry Day 2020 – Poem and Lyric Competition kaipara

National Poetry Day Competitions | 21 August 2020 | National Poetry Day 2020 – Poem and Lyric Competition THE EBB AND FLOW OF THE KAIPARA The Kauri Museum runs the Poem and Lyric Competition for National Poetry Day in two phases. The Adult competition (over 18) and the student competition. The theme...
NZSA Auckland Branch Welcomes Author C K Stead in August

What insights for the future can we gain by looking back? How has the perception and role of the writer in society changed over the last 50 years? NZSA Auckland is pleased to host C.K. Stead this August and discuss with him his new memoir, You Have a Lot...

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

Tāmaki Poems – New Zealand Poetry Society
11 August 2020
CALL FOR POEMS – Tāmaki Poems Press Release for New Zealand Poetry Society 11 August 2020 Tāmaki Poems is a community-generated poetry project, centred on a map of Auckland compiled by Mr Leslie Kelly in 1940. In the lead up to the opening of Tāmaki Herenga Waka – Auckland Stories early
Continue reading
Acclaimed New Zealand writer Elizabeth Knox to receive honorary doctorate
11 August 2020
Tuesday 11 August 2020 Acclaimed New Zealand writer Elizabeth Knox is to receive an honorary Doctor of Literature from Te Herenga Waka–Victoria University of Wellington. “Elizabeth Knox is an inspiration to young people and emerging writers and is helping grow the next generation of literary talent in Aotearoa New
Continue reading
Allen & Unwin announces major new Crime Fiction Prize worth $25,000
10 August 2020
ATTENTION ALL CRIME AND THRILLER WRITERS! Why wait to make crime pay? Is there a manuscript in your bottom drawer just waiting to be finished? Have you got a burning idea for the perfect crime . . . on paper? We are thrilled to announce the inaugural annual Allen &
Continue reading

All News

MissionPartners

The NZ Society of Authors is proudly supported by Creative New Zealand, Nielsen, Copyright Licensing NZ, Pub Charity, Your Books, The Web Company, Waitemata Local Board Accommodation Grant

Copyright © 2015 The New Zealand Society of Authors | Developed by The Web Company