Advocacy Engagement on behalf of NZ Writers

The New Zealand government has amended Sec 69 of the Copyright Act in order to implement a World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) agreement, known as the Marrakesh Treaty. The aim of the Treaty is to increase access to published materials for people who have a print disability. It is important that New Zealand authors and publishers are aware of these changes and the rights and obligations that you have as copyright owners. You may be contacted by organisations that intend to make copies of your books that will then be provided to people with a print disability in New Zealand and in other countries that have signed up to the Marrakesh Treaty. This information outlines what the law says and the steps you may take and the template to use.

SECONDARY SCHOOL BOOKLIST – NZ Books for classroom study – with reading age levels, teacher’s notes and themes.

Horizon Research Writers Earnings Report

March 2019 READ HERE

The full report can be read here.

NZSA Submission to the Review of the Copyright Act Issues Paper

April 2019 READ HERE

Background paper in Support: Why Publishing Matters

April 2019 READ HERE

Submission to the review of Tomorrows’ Schools from the NZSA

March 2019 READ HERE

Submission to the Copyright Act Review to inform the Issues Paper December 2018

NZSA were preparing a submission to the Issues Paper due early April 2019.

Submission to the Marrakesh Treaty 2018

Here is the submission the NZ Society of Authors made to the Issues Paper and the Draft Amendment Bill. NZSA presented to the select committee in March 2019 on this issue. CLNZ also forwarded their own submission.

Positioning for the future: Draft strategic Directions to 2030 consultation document

31 August 2016

Here is the online submission NZSA made in response to the National Library consultation document (31 August 2016).

On the 11 October 2016 we received a summary of all submissions made.

Radio New Zealand Drama Department

June 2016

In February we wrote a letter to the Chief Executive of Radio New Zealand expressing our concern about reduced funding to the drama department and the consequent loss of staff. We did not get a response so followed up with a second letter in May.

The purpose of the letters was to ensure our national broadcasting service continues to offer quality radio drama from books and plays written by New Zealanders and that the creators are paid fairly for the use of the original and adapted works. We also wanted to discover if the cuts to the drama department are solely the result of the ‘fund freeze’ or if it is the direction RNZ would be taking regardless of available funds.

We have not had a written response yet but Kyle Mewburn, President of NZSA, received a call from RNZ to let us know that RNZ is taking a new approach to radio drama and changes will soon be announced. We look forward to the announcement.

Marrakesh Treaty submission

26 February 2016

The Marrakesh Treaty is an international treaty that aims to increase access to published works for people with a print disability. This Treaty provides for copyright exceptions within national laws to improve visually-impaired people’s access to copyright works in accessible formats (such as braille, audio or large print books).

On Friday, 30 October 2015 the Ministry released a discussion document to determine whether New Zealand should accede to the Marrakesh Treaty and if so what changes to the Copyright Act would be needed. They invited submissions.

You can read the submission made by NZSA here.

CLNZ also made a submission here.

Exploring Digital Convergence Green Paper submission

16 October 2015

The Government’s Exploring Digital Convergence Green Paper provided an overarching view of the cross-government convergence work programme to ensure New Zealanders are able to realise the potential benefits and opportunities presented by convergence. They invited submissions.

You can read the submission made by NZSA here.

Submission to the Board of Review regarding the Review of the Classification of Into the River written by Ted Dawe

25 September 2015

You can read the submission made by NZSA National Office here and the submission made by our PEN representative, Dana Wensley, here

On the 14th October the Board of Review distributed their Majority Decision and the Presidents Dissenting Opinion.

Submission made to Copyright Licensing New Zealand Limited

February 2015

The New Zealand Society of Authors made a submission to Copyright Licensing NZ in February 2015.

The Submission argues that the Contestable Fund, instigated in 2014, is not an adequate substitute for the Writers Awards.

The CLNZ Board responded August 2015, gathering a group of writers and publishers to discuss what would be considered good investments for the Cultural Fund. Following that gathering CLNZ set a new 3-year Cultural Fund investment plan, reviewed their Contestable Fund criteria and established a new award for writers. The new award will open in 2016 and one award of $25,000 will be made to a writer each year for the next three years.

Public Lending Right for New Zealand Authors Scheme

The Public Lending Right for New Zealand Authors scheme was established in 2008 to compensate New Zealand authors, illustrators, and editors for the use of their books in New Zealand libraries.

As an author registered with the scheme, you’re entitled to receive annual compensation based on the number of copies of your title held in New Zealand libraries. This number is determined by a regular survey. More

Politicians – what are their plans for the literary sector?

Politicians and Writers – 2014

A General Election was held in New Zealand on 21 September 2014. A number of questions were put to the politicians to find out about their plans and policies for the literary community.

Go here to read the responses we received.

Submission Archive

Please contact the National Office if you are interested in submissions made prior to 2014