50th Anniversary Announcement Bulletin
Kia ora koutou,
This year NZWG is 50. Fifty years of writers. Fifty years of stories. Fifty years of collective power.
From a small group of determined screenwriters in 1975, who unionised in 1976, to a nationally and internationally connected Guild advocating for writers’ rights, craft, and livelihoods.
To mark this milestone, we are proud to announce a year-long programme of events for 2026, culminating in the IAWG conference and a GALA celebration in October. Whether you are a long-time member, a new writer finding your feet, or an industry ally who believes in the power of writers, this is your invitation to a year of events recognising our screenwriters and their work.
It’s going to be a big year, we can’t wait and we’ll keep you posted!
Ngā mihi nui, and special thanks to our members, as always.
Alice Shearman, Executive Director
New Zealand Writers Guild Puni Taatuhi o Aotearoa
Writers Credit Survey
We are making the longest credit reel in Aotearoa screen history. It is going to name all those who have a writer credit (or any other credit associated with the writing of a project). This is to show the work that has actually been done by screenwriters in New Zealand. We need your input.
Please head over to the survey to check your own credits, to add or amend, and just make sure we are not leaving anyone out. The results will be shared with all at the Gala dinner in October.
Capturing the Guild’s Story
Alongside the events, we’re creating a printed 50th anniversary booklet and building a longer-form record of our history, stories, and key moments. If you have memories, milestones, photos, or clippings you think belong in the Guild’s history, we’ll be calling for contributions soon. Big moments and small ones both matter, if you’re unsure whether something belongs, it probably does!
2026 Schedule of Events
ONLINE 27 February 2026, 7pm
Masterclass: Winning Seed Applications with Fiona Samuel
Got a film script ready to move forward? Learn how to approach SEED funding with clarity in this online masterclass with Fiona Samuel.
LIVE WELLINGTON 18 March 2026
Where We Come From: The Writers’ Journey
Join a panel of practitioners, critics and academics to talk about screenwriting in Aotearoa New Zealand – the history, what’s happening now, and is the future bright?
ONLINE April 2026
Masterclass: Pitching a TV Show
It is not enough to not be a writer; you also have to be a salesperson. Join us for a Masterclass in how to pitch your show; how to sell your idea with confidence.
LIVE CHRISTCHURCH May 2026
Where We Come From: The Writers’ Journey
Join a panel of practitioners, critics and academics to talk about screenwriting in Aotearoa New Zealand. Bringing the conversation south, with local voices and a national lens.
LIVE AUCKLAND June 2026
So You Think You Are Funny: Comedy Writers
This live panel discussion will delve into the craft of comedy writing, comedy careers, and why jokes are serious work.
ONLINE July 2026
The Kids Are Alright: Writing for Children
Aotearoa New Zealand has produced some standout kids’ film and television over the years. What is the key to entertaining our young ones?
LIVE AUCKLAND August 2026
Where We Come From: The Writers’ Journey
Part three of the big conversation about the state of New Zealand film and TV, from a writers perspective. Join us for the next instalment of this traveling panel discussion.
ONLINE September 2026
Masterclass: What the F*ck is a Showrunner?
A straight-talking session, with International Showrunners from the USA, UK and Australia, on a role everyone references, and fewer people can clearly define.
IAWG Conference 5 - 8 October
In October, NZWG will host the International Affiliation of Writers Guilds (IAWG) in Aotearoa for the first time since 2008, alongside our 50th anniversary celebrations.
LIVE Auckland 7 October 2026
Afternoon - Top 10 Writers’ Fights: Industrial war stories and hard-won lessons.
Evening – Can Stories Save Us?: Craft, culture and the future of screenwriting.
Full details: dates, times, panellists and locations for all events will be updated soon.
The Main Event
NZWG 50th Anniversary Gala Diner - SAVE THE DATE
Thursday 8 October 2026
At the Glasshouse, Morningside, Auckland join the NZWG Board and Staff for a night to celebrate 50 years of writing talent. Save the date now! A room full of writers, allies, and industry leaders, with a 50 Years showreel at the heart of it. If you’ve written for our film or television this night is for you.
We will also be presenting our historical writers’ credit reel. 50 years of writing and all the names of those who have built this industry with their words.
This year NZWG is 50. Fifty years of writers. Fifty years of stories. Fifty years of collective power.
From a small group of determined screenwriters in 1975, who unionised in 1976, to a nationally and internationally connected Guild advocating for writers’ rights, craft, and livelihoods.
Already an NZWG member? Sign in here
Kia ora koutou,
This year NZWG is 50. Fifty years of writers. Fifty years of stories. Fifty years of collective power.
From a small group of determined screenwriters in 1975, who unionised in 1976, to a nationally and internationally connected Guild advocating for writers’ rights, craft, and livelihoods.
To mark this milestone, we are proud to announce a year-long programme of events for 2026, culminating in the IAWG conference and a GALA celebration in October. Whether you are a long-time member, a new writer finding your feet, or an industry ally who believes in the power of writers, this is your invitation to a year of events recognising our screenwriters and their work.
It’s going to be a big year, we can’t wait and we’ll keep you posted!
Ngā mihi nui, and special thanks to our members, as always.
Alice Shearman, Executive Director
New Zealand Writers Guild Puni Taatuhi o Aotearoa
Writers Credit Survey
We are making the longest credit reel in Aotearoa screen history. It is going to name all those who have a writer credit (or any other credit associated with the writing of a project). This is to show the work that has actually been done by screenwriters in New Zealand. We need your input.
Please head over to the survey to check your own credits, to add or amend, and just make sure we are not leaving anyone out. The results will be shared with all at the Gala dinner in October.
Capturing the Guild’s Story
Alongside the events, we’re creating a printed 50th anniversary booklet and building a longer-form record of our history, stories, and key moments. If you have memories, milestones, photos, or clippings you think belong in the Guild’s history, we’ll be calling for contributions soon. Big moments and small ones both matter, if you’re unsure whether something belongs, it probably does!
2026 Schedule of Events
ONLINE 27 February 2026, 7pm
Masterclass: Winning Seed Applications with Fiona Samuel
Got a film script ready to move forward? Learn how to approach SEED funding with clarity in this online masterclass with Fiona Samuel.
LIVE WELLINGTON 18 March 2026
Where We Come From: The Writers’ Journey
Join a panel of practitioners, critics and academics to talk about screenwriting in Aotearoa New Zealand – the history, what’s happening now, and is the future bright?
ONLINE April 2026
Masterclass: Pitching a TV Show
It is not enough to not be a writer; you also have to be a salesperson. Join us for a Masterclass in how to pitch your show; how to sell your idea with confidence.
LIVE CHRISTCHURCH May 2026
Where We Come From: The Writers’ Journey
Join a panel of practitioners, critics and academics to talk about screenwriting in Aotearoa New Zealand. Bringing the conversation south, with local voices and a national lens.
LIVE AUCKLAND June 2026
So You Think You Are Funny: Comedy Writers
This live panel discussion will delve into the craft of comedy writing, comedy careers, and why jokes are serious work.
ONLINE July 2026
The Kids Are Alright: Writing for Children
Aotearoa New Zealand has produced some standout kids’ film and television over the years. What is the key to entertaining our young ones?
LIVE AUCKLAND August 2026
Where We Come From: The Writers’ Journey
Part three of the big conversation about the state of New Zealand film and TV, from a writers perspective. Join us for the next instalment of this traveling panel discussion.
ONLINE September 2026
Masterclass: What the F*ck is a Showrunner?
A straight-talking session, with International Showrunners from the USA, UK and Australia, on a role everyone references, and fewer people can clearly define.
IAWG Conference 5 - 8 October
In October, NZWG will host the International Affiliation of Writers Guilds (IAWG) in Aotearoa for the first time since 2008, alongside our 50th anniversary celebrations.
LIVE Auckland 7 October 2026
Afternoon - Top 10 Writers’ Fights: Industrial war stories and hard-won lessons.
Evening – Can Stories Save Us?: Craft, culture and the future of screenwriting.
Full details: dates, times, panellists and locations for all events will be updated soon.
The Main Event
NZWG 50th Anniversary Gala Diner - SAVE THE DATE
Thursday 8 October 2026
At the Glasshouse, Morningside, Auckland join the NZWG Board and Staff for a night to celebrate 50 years of writing talent. Save the date now! A room full of writers, allies, and industry leaders, with a 50 Years showreel at the heart of it. If you’ve written for our film or television this night is for you.
We will also be presenting our historical writers’ credit reel. 50 years of writing and all the names of those who have built this industry with their words.
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