April 2026 Bulletin
LAST CHANCE!
ONLINE MASTERCLASS
Tickets
Members of NZWG, Ngā Aho Whakaari, PASC & PISA = $5
General Admission = $10
LIVE PANEL
Tickets
Members of NZWG, Ngā Aho Whakaari, PASC & PISA = $15
General Admission = $25
Student Admission = $10 (email us for the discount code)
Join us in Christchurch for a live panel event opening with a discussion exploring the history, legacy, successes, and ongoing challenges of being a screenwriter in Aotearoa New Zealand. This panel brings together practitioners, academics, and critics with panellists James Croot, Gillian Ashurst, Peter Rowley, and Andrew Gunn.
More Events & Opportunities
Writers Residency
The Michael King Writers Centre in association with Varuna, The National Writers’ House in Katoomba, NSW, Australia is pleased to announce for the fifth time, a residency in Australia for New Zealand writers.
More Info & Apply - closes April 27
Emerging Pasifika Writer in Residence 2026
Applications are open with the International Institute of Modern Letters, Kelburn Campus. The residency is for 3 months in the second half of 2026. Please note that the proposed project excludes writing for film or television.
More Info & Apply - closes May 31
The Blacklist - Annual Labs
The Blacklist Annual Labs for 2026 closes on June 1. This programme offer training to six promising, non-professional writers. Includes flights and accommodation in Los Angeles for the duration of the programme.
More Info & Apply - closes June 1
Cosy Crime Panel - Auckland, April 22
This WIFT panel brings together Kate McDermott, Kathleen Anderson, and Rachel Antony to unpack the creative and commercial mechanics of the cosy crime genre. Moderated by long-time NZWG member Marina Alofagia McCartney!
Misty Flicks Film Challenge
The Misty Flicks Challenge is officially live, a film competition that gives you three months to create a one to nine-minute film. The best films will be screened at the Misty Flicks Film Festival in front of a live audience.
Italian Film Festival
The Italian Film Festival opens for 2026 on April 28 with amazing films being shown across the motu. The Film Festival is offering 2x free double passes to the Auckland season to our members - first two people to email me win tickets!
Final Draft Big Break Screenwriting Contest
Enter the contest that has been launching screenwriting careers for over 20 years. Multiple categories to apply for and prizes to win!
Info & Apply - early bird closes April 27
Apply for Rainbow Shorts
Two short film teams with queer writers and directors will receive development support and funding to make their short films in 2026-2027
More Info & Apply - closes April 23
Save the Date 2026 - 48Hours
The Vista Foundation 48Hours 2026 will take place from:
7pm, 31 July - 7pm, 2 August 2026
Show Me Shorts Film Festival
The Show Me Shorts 2026 call for entries is now open! Show Me Shorts is a competitive, Oscar ® qualifying and BAFTA qualifying film festival.
More Info - closes May 1
Why are Screenwriters Important?
Stay tuned for our upcoming series on how to take control of your industry, information for lobbying, and key dates for action. And information for this election year.
Election 2026
Reclaim Our Democracy - Register to Vote
Enrol to vote or check and update your enrolment details. Get ready to have your say in Aotearoa New Zealand's general election.
Check, Update, or Enrol to Vote Here
General Election 7 November 2026
Vote for the people and parties who represent us in Parliament and form a government. You need to be enrolled by midnight, 25 October.
Info about the General Election
Your April NZWG update
Already an NZWG member? Sign in here
LAST CHANCE!
ONLINE MASTERCLASS
Tickets
Members of NZWG, Ngā Aho Whakaari, PASC & PISA = $5
General Admission = $10
LIVE PANEL
Tickets
Members of NZWG, Ngā Aho Whakaari, PASC & PISA = $15
General Admission = $25
Student Admission = $10 (email us for the discount code)
Join us in Christchurch for a live panel event opening with a discussion exploring the history, legacy, successes, and ongoing challenges of being a screenwriter in Aotearoa New Zealand. This panel brings together practitioners, academics, and critics with panellists James Croot, Gillian Ashurst, Peter Rowley, and Andrew Gunn.
More Events & Opportunities
Writers Residency
The Michael King Writers Centre in association with Varuna, The National Writers’ House in Katoomba, NSW, Australia is pleased to announce for the fifth time, a residency in Australia for New Zealand writers.
More Info & Apply - closes April 27
Emerging Pasifika Writer in Residence 2026
Applications are open with the International Institute of Modern Letters, Kelburn Campus. The residency is for 3 months in the second half of 2026. Please note that the proposed project excludes writing for film or television.
More Info & Apply - closes May 31
The Blacklist - Annual Labs
The Blacklist Annual Labs for 2026 closes on June 1. This programme offer training to six promising, non-professional writers. Includes flights and accommodation in Los Angeles for the duration of the programme.
More Info & Apply - closes June 1
Cosy Crime Panel - Auckland, April 22
This WIFT panel brings together Kate McDermott, Kathleen Anderson, and Rachel Antony to unpack the creative and commercial mechanics of the cosy crime genre. Moderated by long-time NZWG member Marina Alofagia McCartney!
Misty Flicks Film Challenge
The Misty Flicks Challenge is officially live, a film competition that gives you three months to create a one to nine-minute film. The best films will be screened at the Misty Flicks Film Festival in front of a live audience.
Italian Film Festival
The Italian Film Festival opens for 2026 on April 28 with amazing films being shown across the motu. The Film Festival is offering 2x free double passes to the Auckland season to our members - first two people to email me win tickets!
Final Draft Big Break Screenwriting Contest
Enter the contest that has been launching screenwriting careers for over 20 years. Multiple categories to apply for and prizes to win!
Info & Apply - early bird closes April 27
Apply for Rainbow Shorts
Two short film teams with queer writers and directors will receive development support and funding to make their short films in 2026-2027
More Info & Apply - closes April 23
Save the Date 2026 - 48Hours
The Vista Foundation 48Hours 2026 will take place from:
7pm, 31 July - 7pm, 2 August 2026
Show Me Shorts Film Festival
The Show Me Shorts 2026 call for entries is now open! Show Me Shorts is a competitive, Oscar ® qualifying and BAFTA qualifying film festival.
More Info - closes May 1
Why are Screenwriters Important?
Stay tuned for our upcoming series on how to take control of your industry, information for lobbying, and key dates for action. And information for this election year.
Election 2026
Reclaim Our Democracy - Register to Vote
Enrol to vote or check and update your enrolment details. Get ready to have your say in Aotearoa New Zealand's general election.
Check, Update, or Enrol to Vote Here
General Election 7 November 2026
Vote for the people and parties who represent us in Parliament and form a government. You need to be enrolled by midnight, 25 October.
Info about the General Election
Join the New Zealand Writers Guild
Become a member and access exclusive benefits and resources.
