Organisations that assist writers
New Zealand Association of Literary Agents (NZALA)
Set up to establish standards for literary agents operating within New Zealand. All NZALA members subscribe to a code of ethics that includes working on commission, not charging upfront fees for the promotion of manuscripts, and not charging fees for reading manuscripts for agency purposes. They also offer tips on how to contact an agent.
The Coalition for Books
Breaks new ground uniting authors, publishers, booksellers and festivals in the telling of Aotearoa New Zealand’s story. Together the members of this national organisation join forces creating the country’s first Story Precinct and show the intrinsic value of reading Aotearoa New Zealand made books.
KETE
A book review and marketing website for NZ books from The Coalition for Books.
New Zealand Association of Manuscript Assessors (NZAMA)
A group of professional editors and writers who offer writers feedback on their manuscripts. The association set up in 2001, has a code of professional practice and behaviour. There are strict entry criteria for assessors, including knowledge of publishing and markets in New Zealand. Members are published authors, have worked for publishing companies or in book promotion.
Creative Rights = Creative Reads
An advocacy site to promote why creative rights are so important for authors, publishers, and all of us in Aotearoa New Zealand.
The Māori Literature Trust / Te Waka Taki Kōrero
Established in 2000, the Māori Literature Trust – Te Waka Taki Kōrero has been fostering new and emerging Māori writers, transforming the literary landscape of Aotearoa, nurturing Māori voices, with a story to tell.
Te Hā o Ngā Pou Kaituhi Māori
The origins of Te Hā go back to the late 80s/early 90s and possibly grew out of Ngā Puna Waihanga, a national body for Māori artists and writers set up in 1973. Tungia Baker came up with the name Te Hā. The aims were to identify, encourage and promote new writing by Māori. ‘Te Hā is the perfect name. It refers to the breath, to the very essence of who we are. You draw in, you give out. Simple, really.’
New Zealand Book Awards Trust
NZBAT manages the annual Ockham New Zealand Book Awards, the New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults and Phantom Billstickers National Poetry Day champion and honour New Zealand’s literature.
Read New Zealand
Established in 1972, the main aim of this charitable organisation is to inspire and nurture both NZ writers and readers. It has a number of programmes which promote writers in the community including ‘Writers in Schools’. The website also includes advice and information for writers, and an author list.
Wharerangi – THE MĀORI LITERATURE HUB
Wharerangi means storehouse or raised platform, and this is the site’s kaupapa: to provide a packed storehouse of information for Māori writers of fiction, creative nonfiction and poetry, and a platform for our publications.
The Academy of NZ Literature
A community of writers from New Zealand – authors of fiction, poetry and creative nonfiction. On its site you’ll find current biographical information for over 100 writers – ANZL Fellows and Members – and a range of in-depth features about the diverse strands of contemporary New Zealand literature, as well as extended interviews, book reviews, round-table discussions, essays and a series of conversations/ kōrero that crosses oceans
National Flash Fiction Day
An annual celebration of flash fiction in Aotearoa New Zealand! Including the Festival of Flash!
New Zealand Libraries
NZ Libraries provide ongoing resources for new and established writers. These include catalogues of national and international writers and awards, books and electronic resources on all aspects of writing. Varying from city to city, libraries frequently offer space for book signing and talks by established and newly published authors.
Travcom
The official site of New Zealand Travel Communicators. It encourages travel writing and travel photography both in New Zealand and internationally. Members include professional travel writers, photographers, authors, broadcasters, and public relations consultants.
NZ Review of Books
An online review journal.
Organisations that represent writers
The New Zealand Society of Authors Te Puni Kaituhi o Aotearoa (PEN NZ) Inc
The primary organisation for writers representing over 1800 writers in Aotearoa: advocacy, prizes and awards, professional development, mentorship and assessment programmes.
The Māori Literature Trust / Te Waka Taki Kōrero
Fosters new and emerging Māori writers, transforming the literary landscape of Aotearoa, nurturing Māori voices, with a story to tell.
The origins of Te Hā go back to the late 80s/early 90s and possibly grew out of Ngā Puna Waihanga, a national body for Māori artists and writers set up in 1973. Tungia Baker came up with the name Te Hā. The aims were to identify, encourage and promote new writing by Māori. ‘Te Hā is the perfect name. It refers to the breath, to the very essence of who we are. You draw in, you give out. Simple, really.’
A community of writers from New Zealand – authors of fiction, poetry and creative nonfiction. On its site you’ll find current biographical information for over 100 writers – ANZL Fellows and Members – and a range of in-depth features about the diverse strands of contemporary New Zealand literature, as well as extended interviews, book reviews, round-table discussions, essays and a series of conversations/ kōrero that crosses oceans.
Horror Writers Association was formed in 1985, this is a non-profit organisation which promotes horror literature and its writers worldwide. Among its many resources, it sponsors the annual Bram Stoker and Lifetime Achievement Awards in dark literature, facilitates public readings and awareness, and offers a monthly magazine for members
New Zealand Christian Writers started over 30 years ago this is a national collective of writers, editors and published authors. They welcome beginner and established Christian writers and provide support through workshops, seminars and educational materials.
Food Writers NZ
A professional organisation provides a liaison point between food and beverage writers/illustrators and both individual and corporate writing markets. Among other benefits, members receive a bi-monthly newsletter and have access to an online database of members and markets.
New Zealand Poetry Society (NZPS)
For nearly thirty years been supporting New Zealand poets and poetry in its many forms. Members receive a bi-monthly magazine, news such as upcoming competition and awards, networking forums and an opportunity to publish in the NZPS annual anthology which details meetings and poetry events around the country.
New Zealand Writers Guild
Represents writers in the entertainment industry, offering professional and legal advice and support. It is a non-profit association for scriptwriters in the fields of film, television, radio, theatre, video and multi-media. A member of the International Affiliation of Writers Guilds (IAWG) and affiliated with the Council of Trade Unions, it is also a Board member of the NZ Film & Television Awards Society and the Copyright Council.
Script to Screen
Established to develop the craft and culture of storytelling for the screen annual conference.
Toi Maori Aotearoa – Maori Arts New Zealand
Aims to promoting all aspects of contemporary Maori art, this organisation also has a forum for new and established Maori writers. Within this organisation, the Writers in Te Reo committee exists to promote Maori knowledge through its language and to assist with publication.
Playmarket
New Zealand’s only playwrights’ agency. Their focus is the development, support and representation of New Zealand playwrights, both national and internationally. They advocate for the continued growth of New Zealand theatre on our stages and co-ordinate a range of resources, services and opportunities for playwrights and those wishing to access New Zealand scripts.
Romance Writers of New Zealand
RWNZ is a long-running non-profit organisation that provides a stimulating and encouraging romance writing community and supports both published and unpublished writers. The group holds regular regional meetings, offers advice and support on and offline, and frequently runs writing workshops and competitions. Their annual conference offers craft development and networking opportunities for editors and agents.
Science Fiction & Fantasy Association of New Zealand (SFFANZ)
SFFANZ acts as a national body separate from, but involved with, existing science fiction and fantasy clubs. It encourages liaisons between existing fan groups, provides support for national conventions, organises awards and runs an interactive blog for members.
New Zealand Science Fiction
This website provides a list of Sci-Fi groups, clubs and societies.
SpecFicNZ
The association for creators, writers and editors of speculative (ie horror, science fiction and fantasy) in or from New Zealand. It offers a blog, competitions, writing critiques and both in person and online networking.
Storylines Children’s Literature Trust
This charitable trust, run by dedicated professionals, promotes the importance of reading and literature for all NZ children and vigorously supports writers and illustrators of children’s literature. Providing an up to date newsletter, themed book lists, year book and national awards, it also runs a multitude of events such as the Storylines Festival, which offer interaction with authors, illustrators and performers. It has a strong relationship with multiple organisations such as the New Zealand Society of Authors, New Zealand Book Council, Booksellers NZ and others too numerous to list.
Organisations that inform writers
The Big Idea / Te Aria Nui
The community is a free to join networking and news resource for all creative New Zealanders. Create a profile, share your news, views, and access NZ events and job opportunities.
Creative People’s Centre
The Creative People’s Centre is both a community and a web based service for people involved in the arts and creative industries. On the CPC website you will find articles focusing on arts related topics; information about the latest CPC events plus legal fact sheets which provide a detailed insight into specific legal issues encountered in the creative industries.
FirstWriter
This is an information packed website, with searches for writing competitions through to advice on publishing, agents and the art of writing itself.
Manatū Taonga Ministry of Culture & Heritage
This is an excellent website for New Zealand historical and cultural research, the MCH provides a multitude of links and resources on our history, including publications, oral histories, a how to guide on historical writing and online specialists for specific research questions.
RNZ
RNZ has regular slots and diverse daily programmes on National Radio related to books, authors and literature.
The Wellington Children’s Book Association provides support for New Zealand writers and illustrators of children’s and young adult books, but with a Wellington focus. This includes literary events for both local and overseas authors
Wharerangi / The Māori Literature Hub
Wharerangi means storehouse or raised platform, and this is the site’s kaupapa: to provide a packed storehouse of information for Māori writers of fiction, creative nonfiction and poetry, and a platform for our publications
WritersServices.comA general information bank for writers of all genres, from starting out, through to publishing and marketing. Huge information resources including a daily newsfeed, book reviews and editorial services.
Other organisations
Arts Access Aotearoa
An advocate for creative New Zealanders who experience barriers in participating in the arts, from physical, sensory or intellectual impairment through to language difficulty, mental health and prison rehabilitation.
Arts Foundation of New Zealand
An independent charitable trust which promotes excellence in all art forms for the benefit of the people of New Zealand. The Icon Awards honour New Zealand’s senior arts practitioners. The NZ Laureate Awards support mid-career artists.
Booksellers New Zealand
Representing over 90% of New Zealand book publishers and booksellers BSNZ is committed to fostering a strong book industry. This includes the New Zealand’s book awards which recognise excellence in writing and publishing. It takes part in nationwide events, and actively promotes books through television, radio and the print media. The website includes up to date news from our literary industry.
British Council (NZ)
The UK’s agency for international cultural relations. It connects New Zealanders with creative ideas and learning opportunities from the UK including producing and supporting a variety of events in New Zealand such as performances, seminars, masterclasses and exhibitions.
Copyright Licensing Ltd (CLNZ)
CLL is jointly owned by the Book Publishers Association of New Zealand Inc and the New Zealand Society of Authors. It represents book publishers and authors, from both New Zealand and overseas, in providing copyright licences to institutional and other users of printed copyright material in New Zealand. CLL provides general information about copyright and the copying of extracts from printed published works such as books, journals and periodicals in New Zealand. It provides licences for the reproduction of extracts from written works and distributes licensing fees to copyright owners.
Library and Information Association of New Zealand Aotearoa (LIANZA)
LIANZA is the professional body for those engaged in librarianship and information management. Its key annual project is the set of six Children and Young Adult Book Awards, which allow librarians to judge and celebrate the best of New Zealand literature.
NZ Books
A quarterly periodical dedicated to reviews and opinions on New Zealand fiction and non-fiction books and publishing.
NZ Herald
A link to the paper’s arts and CANVAS book page, including reviews.
NZ Bookshop Day
A non-profit initiative and annual event showcasing our literary industry, from writers and publishers to bookshops and libraries.
Publishers Association of New Zealand Inc (PANZ)
Formerly BPANZ, this is the trade association of book publishers and distributors in New Zealand and represents the interests of the industry to government and other agencies. It has a free downloadable directory of publishers, also available in hard copy from the PANZ or NZSA offices.
SLANZA
SLANZA is the school librarian’s association.
WeCreate
Contains information of the various aspects of copyright and the law, including moral rights.
International writing organisations
Australasian Medical Writers Association
For writers and editors who specialise in medical and health articles for both online and traditional publications. Membership includes job opportunities, networking, newsletter, mentorships, workshops and online forum and advice.
Australian Society of Authors
This national society runs a monthly e-letter and quarterly magazine for subscribers aimed at all writers and illustrators. It includes a multitude of resources, such as rates of pay, agents, tutors, mentorships and awards.
ParaPublishing.com
This site has a wealth of information for writers and some statistics on the US market.
Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America
SFWA is a professional organisation for authors and illustrators of science fiction, fantasy and related genres, including graphic novels. It provides writing assistance, advocacy, support and promotion for its members. This includes the famous Nebula Awards.
UK Society of Authors
A long-established UK body with over 12,000 members, the society offers legal advice, support, events and significant grants and awards for established and emerging writers.
Funding
Creative New Zealand
This is our national arts development agency. It assists and funds numerous art forms, including literature, through fellowships, scholarships and grants. Writers seeking grants can apply for the Quick Response (three rounds/year) or Arts Grant (twice/year).
BOOSTED
New Zealand’s only crowdfunding platform dedicated to getting homegrown art off the ground. We exist to help you make your art happen.
Generosity New Zealand (BreakOut)
A regularly updated database of scholarships, awards and with closing dates, application requirements and contact details. It is possible to access free online through subscribed libraries.