Writing Groups

Writing is a solitary profession and can often be lonely and frustrating. It is always helpful to have someone, other than your friends and family, to discuss ideas with and help with your manuscript. We always recommend getting a professional manuscript assessment before submitting your manuscript to a publisher, but you may want some support through that developmental stage. Writing Groups are an ideal place to meet like-minded individuals who can offer this kind of support as well as social and networking opportunities.

Want to start your own writing group?

If you are considering starting your own writing group, there are some great resources online to help you on your way. Some useful websites are

Writing center     goinswriter.com     10 Tips for starting a writing group     Set up an Amazing Writing Group Workshop (online)

Share information about your writing group

Reach out to NZSA members in your area and start your own writing group. You can also use this form to share new information about established writing groups. This is a members only resource, so you have to be logged in (to the website) if you wish to fill out the form and / or view the list. Once you have filled out the form, we will then add your writing groups details for other NZSA members to see.

Want to become part of an already established writing group?

Established writing groups by region

Northland

More Than Words Focused Writing Group
This is a focused writing group where career writers can work side by side on their individual projects, with the opportunity to float ideas and get feedback. This is not a structured writing group and exercises will not be provided. Please bring your own WIP. Babies welcome. 9am -12pm Wednesdays starting 29th May at Whangārei Library, ground floor, back section. Look for the More Than Words sign. Find us on Instagram @morethanwordsNZ

More Than Words Sunday Social Writers
This is a chance to network with other career writers in Northland, get inspired, and have fun. Meet at Astroboy, 69 Bank Street, Whangārei, on the first Sunday of each month 2pm – 4pm starting June 2nd 2024. Find us on Instagram @morethanwordsNZ

Poets at ONEONESIX
116 Bank St, Whangārei, third Thursday of the month from 5pm for poetry readings, comment, feedback and critique. Members of the group form the core of Fast Fibres Poetry, an annual publication of poetry, for any poet in Aotearoa or elsewhere who has a strong connection to Northland. All are welcome, for further information contact pietn@outlook.com

Whangarei Library 3.30 Flash
Whangārei flash fiction group meets first Tuesday of the month at 11am in the May Bain Room, Whangārei Central Library, to read, share and constructively critique each other’s stories. The group is well-established. It has been meeting for twelve years.
For further information contact whangareilibrary3.30flash@gmail.com

Whangārei Writers’ Workshop
Meets every Friday 10.00-12.00 or 12.30 (depending on group size) at the Kamo Club, 7 Meldrum Street, Kamo. Writers are welcome to come along to 3 sessions before joining, to see if it’s for them. It’s an appraisal group, where the writer’s work is read and feedback given, though there is no pressure to bring work to every session.
Interested in joining?
Contact: heatherwhelan2@gmail.com

Write Up North
https://writeupnorth.co.nz/

Writers Up North
Writers Up North – Northland Writers Network

Writing Group – U3A Hatea
Meets 1st and 3rd Thursday behind the Baha’i Centre, 82 Mill Rd, Whangārei
Contact: marie.kaire@gmail.com

Writers and Poets Doubtless Bay and Kaitaia
Want to meet like-minded folks in the Far, Far North? Come and join us. We meet weekly at a cafe to chat and share news, and we organise readings and occasional workshops. We share and communicate via Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/992603708382931

Auckland

Auckland Writers Critique Group
We are a long-established, tight-knit and committed critique group. We meet in members’ homes every alternate Tuesday evening at 7.30pm , Feb to mid-Dec. We take scheduled turns making submissions, which are sent 10 days in advance, to be critiqued and discussed at the following meeting. Our focus is on prose writing, both fiction and non-fiction, from adult genres and YA through to picture books. Contact: Tannis Laidlaw, tannislaidlaw@gmail.com

Hibiscus Coast Writers Club
A fun group to share ideas with, participate in workshops and hear interesting speakers. We have several workshops with internal competitions per year including poetry, short stories and drama, all judged externally. Come along for a visit at 1pm, 2nd Saturday of each month, Pohutukawa room, Whangaparaoa Library, The Plaza, Whangaparaoa. Contact: info@hibiscuscoastwriters.org

International Writers’ Workshop
Meets on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month, February to November inclusive, from 10.30am to 12.30pm, meeting in the downstairs Lindisfarne Room at St Aidans Church, 97 Onewa Road, Northcote. Car entrance is via Woodside Ave. As well as workshop sessions we have several competitions a year covering a range of topics and themes. New and prospective members are welcome. iww.co.nz

Mairangi Writers of North Shore
Auckland writing group formed eighteen years ago. Contact Jean Allen 09 473 5910, pakiti@xtra.co.nz

Memoir – where it all begins
Even if memoir is not your genre, it is a great way to flex your writing muscles. We usually meet once a month and are flexible at the moment as to whether it is in the evening or during the day. Contact Katherine Kelly

Northshore Writers
This group started on Meetup in 2017 and has grown to almost 700 members on the app. We are now expanding our offerings from hosting group meetings to running workshops for people new to the technical aspects of writing, such as which tools to use, how to publish on Amazon and how to market their books. We have a core group of 15 published authors that meet every three weeks, and an open group that meets each Thursday at the East Coast Bays Community Centre in Browns Bay at 6pm. Contact Tim Owen

Papatoetoe Creative Writers’ Group
Venue: Papatoetoe War Memorial Library, 30 Wallace Road, Papatoetoe, Auckland 2025. Meets: Monthly – on the first Wednesday of each month, Time: 5.30 p.m. – 7 p.m.
What to bring: Whatever you are currently working on. Open to: Emerging and experienced writers. Contact: Duncan Philps (Library Asst, Papatoetoe Library), 09 278 4392

South Auckland Writers’ Group
This group meets on the second Friday of the month from 1-3pm at Papakura’s Sir Edmund Hillary Library. Writers from the Manukau, Papakura and the Counties areas are all welcome. Contact Emily emily@mindshift.co.nz 021 125 0116. Or reach out through our Facebook page.

PoetryLive
Thirsty Dog on Karangahape Rd (corner of K Rd and Howe Street). Meets on Tuesdays at 8 pm. It is MCed by Christian Jensen (1st Tues of the month), Miriam Barr (2nd Tues), Renee Liang (3rd Tues), and Murray Lee (4th Tues). Contact poetrylive@gmail.com

Rose Centre Writers
Meetings are held every month on the Saturday of the second week at the Rose Centre, School Road, Belmont, Takapuna. $5 entry fee. Each month the club will have a guest writer coming in to talk about writing. For more info contact Hazel Roff Ph 09 489 7203.

Young Auckland Authors
Looking for young and relatively serious writers who want to share/critique their work and improve their craft in central Auckland (Morningside). The ideal size for this writing group is 5-7 people. If you are interested contact Quinn Bidmead

Waiheke Writers Group
Waiheke Writers Group meets on Thursday mornings at 10.15 at the Catherine Mitchell Arts Centre, Ostend, Waiheke Island. For further details contact: Eleanor Rimoldi eleanorrimoldi@gmail.com.

Waitakere Writers
Waitakere Writers meet the second Saturday of each month (excluding January) at the St John Hall, 247 Edmonton Rd, Te Atatu South. 1.30 – 4pm.  Fees: annual membership: $20. We welcome new members to our friendly, diverse group, where we share knowledge and experience. Writing expertise is not a prerequisite – just enthusiasm. Website

We Love to Write
A writing group for romance writers – either starting out, or already published (self or otherwise). For discussing works in progress and offering help and advice to newbies who are burning to see what they’ve written actually appear in a published format. Contact Lisa Oliver.

Waikato

Raglan Writing Group
This group of published and unpublished writers meets fortnightly. New members welcome. We have been operating for four years. For further information, contact Pam Bovill.

Tairua Writers (Coromandel) 
Tairua Writers is a group for those with an interest in writing. Whatever the genre or ability, we share our work, our experiences in the writing world, our ideas and what we can learn from others. We meet once a month every 2nd Saturday at 10 usually at a member’s home. Each month we set a writing prompt of 500 words for members to read and share their thoughts. Contact Jenny Healey or join on Facebook.

Bay of Plenty / Rotorua
Rotorua Writers Group
Meet on the last Saturday of each month at the Rotorua Arts Village in Hinemaru Street, from 1pm to 3pm for an organised programme, followed by afternoon tea and an informal sharing time. New members welcome. Contact Mollie Smith (Current President) 021 1662599, Vice President: Marj Griffiths 07 3456883, 021 318 4288

Tauranga U3A Pen Whisperers
Meet at 24 Ocean beach Road, Mt Maunganui, 2nd & 4th Mondays, Feb to Nov. Contact Jillian Brown, Ph 07 5765008

Tauranga Writers
A self-help group established nearly 50 years ago. We get together regularly to exchange experience and expertise, discuss tactics and techniques and to share work in progress for constructive criticism. We meet twice monthly on the first Thursday at 7 pm for work in progress and the third Sunday for focus sessions, often open to the public, at 2 pm at The Alzheimer Society House, 116 13th Avenue, Tauranga. Contact: President Jenny Argante (ph 07 576 9212, mob 022 053 48 68). New members always welcome – and please note: our main intention is getting you started and getting you published. www.taurangawriters.org.nz, www.Facebook.com/TaurangaWriters.

Central Districts

Hawke’s Bay 
We meet monthly on the second Friday of each month at Cafe 5, 248 State Highway 51, Mangateretere 4180. Everyone is welcome to join us. We support and encourage each other, discuss issues, and more. We have just formed this group in September 2023, please contact me at bruce@teamgolfwell.com to advise you wish to join us at our monthly meetings.

Feilding Writers’ Circle
We meet monthly, on the third Tuesday of each month, 10:15 am at the Feilding Library. Contact: Rachel Doré 06 328 9169 – Email: feildingwriterscircle@gmail.com

Live Poets
A friendly group of Taupo Poets who meet for informal readings each month.  The time and the place varies so please email Geni if you would like to know more.  The group enjoys reading poetry at local Rest homes as well as enjoying visits from guest poets from time to time.  We are not all poetry writers some of our group are poetry lovers who love searching out interesting poets and poems to share at our meetings.  We welcome writers of any genre who would like to come and share their creations with us. Email Geni for more information.

Napier Novelists
Our group meet 1pm – 3pmish on the 1st Wednesday of each month at The Taradale Library, White St, Taradale, Napier. Each month we have a table booked for us down the back, and come to conduct Write-Ins and Editing workshops. Look for our Nanowrimo signs and feel free to join us and see what we’re about at any time.
Some members also take part in Write-Ins for NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) weekly at the same time in November, and also for Camp NaNoWriMo weekly at the same time during April and July for minor and major writing projects. These you can also join at any time. The ideal size for this writing group is: 2-40. Contact Penny Geddis Email: neaththerose@gmail.com

The Blair Logie Writers Group
Meets at the Genealogical Centre, Queen Street, Masterton on the last Friday of each month from 2:00 pm till 4:00 pm. All welcome. Ph 06 378-9495 or 06 378-6423 for further details.

Quill – Masterton

Contact person: Corlett Shirley Corlett. A group of 10 women who meet once a month on a Monday morning 9am to about 1.30 pm, taking turns to host it. (Men would also be welcome). They criticise each other’s work and discuss what they’ve been reading etc. They describe themselves as a diverse group with a variety of writing interests. Poetry, short stories, stage plays, adult, Y/A and children’s novels and stories.

Poverty Bay Pen Pushers – Gisborne

Contact: Dorothy Fletcher. Covering many genres including local history, supernatural, general fiction, children and young adult, using both short story and novel forms. Meet every fortnight to discuss and critique their writing and to ‘renew our sense of the ridiculous’.

Puke Ariki Library writing group – New Plymouth
Contact person: Stella McCallum. “We are keen to find a few more enthusiastic teenagers to join a new writing group”. They meet monthly in Puke Ariki library, New Plymouth on Thursdays after school.

Ruapehu District

Taumarunui Writers’ Group
We meet on an unscheduled basis for writing days, workshops and general meetings for social and general purposes. We also run the William Taylor Memorial Heartland Short Story Competition. New members welcome. See our website for more information or email Helen Reynolds or Ph: 07 896 6096.

Wellington

Kapiti Writers’ Group
We began in 2012 as Kapiti Children’s Writers’ Group, publishing two anthologies for children, one written by Kapiti adult writers and the other written and illustrated by the children of Kapiti. In 2016 we opened our membership to local adult writers and in 2023 changed our name to Kapiti Writers’ Group because many joining us wrote for adults. As a charitable trust we have a small board of trustees who organise workshops and speakers. Our wider membership attends Focus Group meetings on the 2nd Monday of each month 5-7pm at the Kapiti Women’s Centre (men welcome) where we have presentations on a particular skill of writing, undertake writing challenges, listen and supportively critique others’ work, and share ideas and experiences. For further information, contact our secretary Beverley Bunker bevbunker3@gmail.com

Plimmerton Writers Group
We meet on the fourth Wednesday of the month at 7.30pm in members’ homes. We read and discuss examples of our work. For more information, contact Mike Doig: 04 2338 197, mikedoig72@gmail.com.

Poets to the People
Kapiti’s monthly poetry venue Meets at Robert Harris Cafe in Coastlands, Paraparaumu, 4–6pm, last Sunday of the month, February to November (except if Labour Weekend is last in October). $5 entry. Open mic at 4. Guest poet around 5. Our open mic is legendary (with the occasional live proposal of marriage), and some of New Zealand’s best known and most accomplished poets have performed here. (We pay a decent fee). Contact Gill and Elizabeth: gilliiward@gmail.com to join our mailing list.

Upper Hutt Writers
We meet the second Sunday of each month at 10.30 am at the Upper Hutt Art Society Rooms, Ward Street, Upper Hutt. $2 per meeting, please bring your own lunch. Contact Bob on 5269478.

Wellington Wordwrights
Wellington Wordwrights meet in the Wellington CBD in the early evening on the last Tuesday of the month to provide critical appreciation and support to our members. We consider a variety of prose forms, both fiction and non-fiction. All of us are working towards publication. As we need to keep our meetings short and focused, we are not looking for additional members at the moment.

Windrift Haiku Group
Meets every two months in members’ homes. Contacts: Karen, 04 293 6224 and Nola, 04 586 728.

Nelson / Marlborough / West Coast

Blenheim Writers
This group of writers formed in June and had their inaugural meeting on 12 June 2023 at Blenheim’s new library. A permanent room has been given to this group. The group’s primary goal is to support each other in becoming better writers and editors, to increase the quality and quantity of writing, and ultimately to publish their work. There is a commitment in this group to provide a supportive and caring environment where each writer will critique the writings of the members. Contact Carolyn Corrin 

Boulder Writers
This group of writers based in the Nelson area is mainly focused on poetry, although fiction and non-fiction are also written. They meet on the fourth Saturday of the month to share and critique their work. Enquiries re membership vacancies can be made to Carol Ercolano at c.d.ercolano@gmail.com Ph 03-545-0162.

Golden Bay Live Poets’ Society

Meetings are held at the famous Mussel Inn, Takaka, usually on the third Thursday of each month. Local (and occasionally international) musicians/singer-songwriters feature in a slot before the open mic begins, and a guest poet often complements the open mic. Everyone is welcome. Check www.musselinn.co.nz for details. Contact: Mark Raffills at mark@drycrust.com

Golden Bay Writers Group

The Golden Bay Writers Group meets monthly, usually at Takaka Library.
We are an eclectic mix of writers who meet up to connect, work on writing projects and share feedback in a supportive way. We communicate through our Facebook Group. The venue and date of meetings can vary, so for more information contact Charlotte Squire at charlottesquirecoms@gmail.com

Nelson Live Poets
We meet monthly, generally on the third Tuesday, at the YAZA Cafe, Nelson. Our programme is: meet at 7 pm, with live music from a local singer/ guitarist to put us in the mood; first open mic session; featured guest poet; second open mic session. Everyone is welcome to come along and perform poetry or music, or just to listen. Koha entry. contact Dylan Mackie at dmackie@mailbox.org

Mawhera Writers (Greymouth)
This group welcomes writers of all genres to write together, get feedback on their work, and to discuss all things ‘writing’ in a respectful, encouraging environment. Don’t worry about your level of experience – everyone is welcome! The group meets on the first and third Sunday of each month, 11 am – 1 pm, at Left Bank Gallery, 1 Tainui Street, Greymouth. Gold coin donation for venue appreciated. Contact Katrina Brown at kbtaiwan@gmail.com for more details and to go on the group mailing list. Find them on Facebook to find and share writing-related updates and discussion relevant to the group.

Mapua Live Poets
Motueka Live Poets meet monthly on the third Wednesday at Mapua Boat Club, Mapua Wharf. Come and share your poetry at an open mike session, or just come to enjoy the talent! Sign up on the night to recite, read or sing your poems to a friendly crowd. The evening starts at 7pm. Gold coin koha entry. For details of the next meeting, contact Geert Hermsen at geert.nz@gmail.com

Picton Poets
This group meets on the fourth Wednesday of the month (not January) at 10.30 am at the Reading Room, Picton Library. They share their own original poems in a friendly, constructive atmosphere. New members are welcome. Contact: Joyce Elwood-Smith, joyce.elwoodsmith@gmail.com 027 226 1276

Richmond Writing Group
The group meets on the third Tuesday of the month, 1 – 3 pm, in the Constance Barnicoat Room at Richmond Library. In the first hour there is a guest speaker and discussion, with optional sharing of own writing and a creative writing activity in the second hour. Free entry, everyone welcome. Contact: the Richmond Library. LibraryInfoServices@tasman.govt.nz

Tasman Writers
Tasman Writers meets monthly, at a time and place notified by email each month. The group welcomes everyone who writes, whatever your genre and whether you write for fun, for profit, for family, or for hiding in your desk. The free get-togethers may include a speaker, and always have time for sharing ideas, asking questions, or discussing challenges. join the  mailing list to be informed of upcoming workshops and discussion groups. Contact the TOS Branch tosnzsa15@gmail.com

WHAM! – Write Here at Motueka
This group meets at Motueka Library, 32 Wallace Street, on the third Wednesday of every month from 12 noon – 2 pm. Members share their writing and receive feedback in a positive and supportive manner, with the aim of eventual publication. The group is open to everyone, no matter what their level of writing experience. Contact: Bettina Fautley, bettina.fautley@tasman.govt.nz

Writers of Picton 
Meet on the first Tuesday of the month (not January) from 1.30 – 3.30 pm. They meet in the upstairs room at Picton Library, and there is usually a writing challenge on a specified topic. Visitors and new members welcome. Contact: Irene & Peter Thomas at pandi.goodhope@gmail.com Tel: 03-973-0638.

Writers at Lunchtime
This informal group meets on the first Wednesday of the month at the Nelson Golf Club, 38 Bolt Road, Tahunanui. Come any time between 11.30am and 1.30pm. There is a guest speaker at 12.30pm, but the purpose of the group is primarily social and visitors are welcome. Gold coin donation. Contact Belinda at bmellor12@icloud.com or Sue at 021 061 6470

Writers’ Group of Golden Bay
Our focus is to review each other’s work and to discuss issues arising. We usually meet monthly in members’ homes. New members are welcome, and should first contact Sue Clark, suedesclark@gmail.com Ph: 03524 8286

Canterbury
Airing Cupboard Women Poets
The Airing Cupboard Women Poets meet at 10 a.m. fortnightly at the South Christchurch Library, 66 Colombo Street. Phone Judith Walsh (ph 03 342 9881).

Ashburton Writers Group
Meets monthly. 19/10 Creek Road, Ashburton. Contact Rae Magson Ph 03 308 8927.

Canterbury Writers

A communication hub and an online community for writers in Canterbury and in New Zealand. We host an online Discord server that is open to writers throughout New Zealand, but we also run in-person events in Christchurch. We also keep a calendar of events that are run by other organisations in Canterbury. Canterbury Writers has been operational since 2019, providing a lifeline for many writers during the pandemic via our Discord server. Today, our membership is over 200 writers, with some writers located internationally. During 2024, we will be hosting webinars for Canterbury Writers members on writing craft. visit 

The Children’s Writing Hub
Meets on Saturdays at the South Library. Helen Mongillo is the person to contact for details on this group.

Methven Scribes
This group meets on the first Monday of every month at members’ homes. Contact Susan Sandys.

The NZSA Writing Group
Meets every Tuesday, 9-12 at South Library, Colombo St. Beckenham. Contact: Amy Paulussen.

Rangiora Writing Group
Managed by Virginia Gray.

Small White Teapot Group
For those with an interest in writing haiku and related forms. Meets 12pm, fourth Tuesday of the month. Contact: Barbara Strang, Phone: 03 376 4486.

Wunderbar Readings
Every second Thursday 8pm at the Wunderbar in Lyttleton.

Canterbury Poets Collective
Organises poetry reading and publications through the Sudden Valley Press and Poets Group. A season of readings each year (national, international, and local poets). Contact: Secretary, Janet Wainscott, jwainscott@xtra.co.nz

Christchurch Writers Guild
The Christchurch Writers’ Guild are an active community of authors – published and unpublished, new and practiced – who strive to encourage and support one another with regular gatherings, write-ins, workshops and critiques both online and off. They meet the second Monday of each month at McDonalds Merivale. If you wish to know more, drop an email to: chchwritersnz@gmail.com

Otago / Southland

Dunedin Playwrights Group
Meets Thursdays, fortnightly at 7.30pm, at Allen Hall Theatre Rehearsal Room, Otago University. Facilitated by Anni Watkins, it is an opportunity to share work, knowledge and experiences, develop and socialise. Open to anyone interested in professional playwriting and its development in Dunedin.

Dunedin Speculative Fiction Writers’ Group
We are a casual, yet enthusiastic group of Dunedin-based SpecFic writers who meet infrequently to boost each others’ inspiration and seek opportunities to boost the profile of works by Dunedin Speculative Fiction writers. Meets at the Athenaeum Library in the Octagon. Please email dunedin.speculative.fiction@gmail.com or visit the website for more details.

Dunedin Writers Workshop
We are a community of both emerging and more experienced writers. Our monthly meetings provide an opportunity to connect, share and learn. All are welcome. meetings are held on the second Wednesday of the month from 5.30pm to 7.45pm in The Dunningham Suite (4th floor), Dunedin Public Library, Moray Place, Dunedin. Website. Contact: dunedinwritersworkshop@gmail.com

Kath’s Writing Group
We’re a group of experienced writers who’ve been meeting once a fortnight for 23 years for the purpose of critiquing and supporting each others work. Membership is by invitation. If you are interested in joining our group contact Kath Beattie kathb@earthlight.co.nz

Queenstown Creative Writing Group
Meets every second Thursday, 5:30pm at Queenstown Library (Gorge Road) for group feedback, writing challenges and general chit-chat. Contact bethanyrogers137@gmail.com to join our mailing list and find out more.

Waitaki Writers Group
Meets in Oamaru 1.30 pm, second Monday each month. It encourages and extends writers, fosters constructive comment on members’ work. Contact: waitakiwriters@yahoo.co.nz or Bruce Costello 0274 514 149

Wanaka Kai Tuhi Writers Group
We meet once a fortnight to critique each other’s work and offer support. This is a closed group but we have places from time to time. The ideal size for this writing group is: 10. If interested, please contact Shirley Deuchrass sndeuchrass@gmail.com

Hagley Writers’ Insitute
We meet in person on Saturdays, or online on Tuesday evenings for crafting sessions and critique groups.
Contact: Melanie Dixon (Director), writers@hagley.school.nz or see our website www.hagleywriters.net

Catalyst
First Tuesday of each month, short fiction, flash fiction and poetry open mic and literary journal at Twisted Hop. Contact: kirstyhdunn@gmail.com

Selwyn Writers
Meets the first Tuesday of each month at The Laboratory in Lincoln. Contact: Jo Preston

Co-Writing Online
Weekly zoom writing group for accountability. 90 minutes each week on a Friday. Contact: Sonia Voldseth.

Online

The Logan Writers Guild Inc
Stories, poems and feature articles are welcome from members and non-members.

New Zealand Travel Communicators (Travcom)
Travcom is a not-for-profit association of travel writers, photographers, broadcasters and travel-related communicators involved in promoting a high standard of travel writing, photography and publishing in New Zealand and internationally.