August 2026 Bulletin
Ahiahi mārie beautiful members, happy August! Somehow it’s the start of another month (again) (happens every month) (crazy right?).
ICYMI the BIG news around here is that Seed finally opened for 2026! This round closes September 4, 2026 at midday. All details on how to apply here.
Mirabelle Field
NZWG Membership Manager
Co-President Chat
Greetings to you from Te Tai Tokerau.
It was agreed that this be a regular thing. I thought 'How hard can it be?' and somehow suddenly the deadline was 24 hours away, I had nothing front of mind, and I promptly broke one of the first rules of writing, which is to never ask your Executive Director, "Anything you'd like me to mention in the Bulletin?"
2026 IS AN ELECTION YEAR
Yes, we're celebrating the big five-oh, and yes, we've got the world coming to Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland for the annual IAWG conference.
But once the glitter has been 'luxed from the carpet and the dishwasher over-filled, the country hunkers down for four weeks of political parties campaigning for your electorate and party votes. This is my gentle reminder to you to please enrol to vote.
Yeah, it says you've got until Sunday 25 October to enrol but if you're reading this, you can enrol or check your enrolment details now. I'll wait.
Right then.
Now you've got until Monday 26 October — or if you're a just-in-time writer like me, we've got until Saturday 7 November — to read up on who's out there, see what they're saying, and check it against your value system. Who values the arts? Who believes in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi? Who's got policy regarding AI?
There: you've got some homework research. I'll check back with you next Bulletin. There may be a quiz. (No there won't. — Editor)
SEED IS HERE
Thank you for your patience — and a thank you to Alice and Mirabelle for their tireless work in bringing this annual event to you.
You've got an idea.
You've got a deadline.
How hard can it be?
Manuia le aso
David Mamea
Co-President
Member Advertisement: Seeking experienced Māori co-writer for 2nd draft of feature film project
Marine environmental thriller/drama adaptations, set off the coast of Kaikōura (Ngāti Kurī of Ngāi Tahu) - anchored in science and in mātauranga Māori.
‘The greatest discovery isn't what lies beneath the ocean, it is knowing when to leave it untouched.’
Placeholder story-elements (some in te Reo) require elevating with authenticity, based on the existing plot. The co-writer would enjoy creative freedom, owning the Māori-content in the confinements of the story and be credited moving forward.
Please contact Michael Kramer for more information at: mail@michaelkramerconsulting.com
Table read 1st draft, Treatment, Pitch Deck, 2nd generation concept trailer available.
Animation Matchmaking Series 2026 - Registrations now open!
Calling all writers, directors, producers, animators, studios and emerging creators from Aotearoa New Zealand and around the world!
Join interactive roundtable discussions on pitching, funding and production, and meet potential collaborators through 1-to-1 speed networking, all from your home or studio.
🌏 Speakers from New Zealand, Australia, Canada and the USA
🤝 Build new animation partnerships
💻 Attend from anywhere
📅 18 August – 19 September on selected Tuesdays and Saturdays
⏰ Registrations close 17 August
This programme is funded by the New Zealand Film Commission and delivered by the Visual Effects Professionals Guild of Aotearoa New Zealand (VFXG) in partnership with the Directors and Editors Guild of Aotearoa New Zealand (DEGANZ) and the New Zealand Writers Guild / Puni Taatuhi o Aotearoa (NZWG).
Online Panel: So You Think You're Funny
So You Think You’re Funny
Is there a New Zealand sense of humour? Do we see it on television and in our films? We might know what makes us laugh but can we translate that to the screen?
Thursday 3 September, 7pm
ONLINE
Tickets:
NZWG / Ngā Aho Whakaari / PASC / PISA Members: $5
General admission: $10
August 22 - Live event in Auckland
Where We Come From: The Writers’ Journey -Auckland
We present a panel discussion exploring the history, legacy, successes, and ongoing challenges of being a screenwriter in Aotearoa New Zealand. This panel discussion brings together practitioners, both experienced and new to the game, and critics.
Saturday 22 August 2026, 7pm
Te Puna Creative Hub, Henderson
Rescheduled! Where We Come From: The Writers' Journey - Christchurch
What does it mean to make screen stories in Ōtautahi?
Join us on 17 September for a special Christchurch edition of the New Zealand Writers Guild's 50th anniversary panel series, a live, in-person conversation with screenwriters, a critic, and an academic whose work, lives, and careers are woven into the fabric of this city.
Thursday 17 September 2026, 7pm, Kōawa Studios, Canterbury University, Christchurch
Come to our Gala Dinner!
Industry Events and Opportunities
Applications open for Michael King Writers Centre 2027 residencies
Residencies range from two to three weeks and provide accommodation, a dedicated writing studio, a stipend, and uninterrupted time to focus on a writing project.
More Info and application form here
2027 BlueCat Screenplay Competition
Entries for the BlueCat Screenplay Competition are open now! Submission guarantees you In-Depth Feedback: Your entry fee includes a one-page written analysis of your script. Feature films and short films accepted.
NZIFF Has Begun in Tāmaki
The Tāmaki Makaurau leg ends on August 9, and then moves all around the country. Check out the details for your city to see awesome films!
New Zealand Screen Awards 2026
Entries for the 2026 New Zealand Screen Awards close this Friday - 7 August - so its your last chance to get your submissions in!
Just Launched: Te Pae Matarau - The Everyone Project Aotearoa
NZFC, NZ On Air, and Te Māngai Pāho have just launched Te Pae Matarau - The Everyone Project Aotearoa, a survey tool to collect demographic data in the screen sector.
Writers on Mondays
Kicking off in Wellington! A series of events highlighting the very latest work from Aotearoa New Zealand writers. Events run from 12.15pm to 1.15pm on Mondays, from now until September 28. Open to the public and free!
TEQ Talks Wellington
Join on Thursday 13 August from 6:00pm at Victoria University for drinks, networking and four inspiring talks from leading practitioners working across film, visual effects, performance, animation and immersive storytelling.
Playmarket’s Groundwork 2026
Writing for live theatre: A workshop for playwrights. However long you’ve been writing, there’s always another layer of craft to uncover. This programme will run across four NZ cities in September
Support our Advocacy
We have a massive year in 2026, an anniversary and collective bargaining! Financial support means we can do more work on behalf of screenwriters. Help us to help the writers!
Become A Member
Want to join up? Or, not sure if you are still an NZWG member?
Follow the link below to be part of the collective, writers are stronger together!
Join the New Zealand Writers Guild
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