December 2025 Bulletin
2025 A Year in Review
Kia ora koutou,
As 2025 draws to a close, we pause to reflect. But first, thank you. None of this work happens without you, our screenwriters. Thank you for your trust, your whakaaro, your challenges, and your solidarity.
Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari kē he toa takitini.
Our strength is not that of the individual, but of the collective.
Here’s a brief snapshot of what NZWG has been doing on your behalf this year.
Advocacy & Writer Support
NZWG continued to provide contract advice, advocacy, and one-to-one support to members navigating development deals, commissions, options, purchases, and increasingly complex AI clauses. Writers should not have to navigate this risk alone.
Key submissions and resources can be found HERE on our website, by scrolling to the Submissions and Resources section.
Collective Bargaining & SIWA
A major focus has been laying the groundwork for collective bargaining under the Screen Industry Workers Act (SIWA). NZWG worked closely with other worker organisations to build shared strategy, develop common positions on occupational standards, and engage with Spada in preparation for formal bargaining.
Copyright, AI & Human-Led Creation
NZWG continued sustained advocacy to protect writers’ copyright, contributed to cross-sector and government discussions on AI legislation and safeguards, and advanced the principle of Human-Led Creation as essential to a fair and sustainable screen sector.
Creative Power Workshops
One of the most energising pieces of work this year has been the Creative Power workshop series, delivered around the country with our fellow screen unions DEGANZ and Equity NZ.
These free workshops supported writers and other screen workers to better understand their rights under SIWA, and the value of collective action. This work will continue to evolve in 2026.
Celebrating 50 Years
Next year marks 50 years of the New Zealand Writers Guild as a union, with events planned throughout the year, including a very special Gala Dinner on Thursday 8 October 2026.
We’re proud of what we’ve protected and grown together in 2025, and we’re heading into 2026 with energy and optimism.
Ngā mihi nui,
Alice Shearman
Executive Director, NZWG
Special Spada & SIWA Update
We wanted to share a brief update from a meeting on 15 December 2025 between the registered Worker Organisations and Spada, relating to the Screen Industry Workers Act (SIWA) 2022.
Spada and Worker Organisations met in good faith to discuss SIWA processes, Spada registration, member concerns, and next steps. The discussion was constructive, and further legal advice will be sought before any decisions are taken by Spada.
The Worker Organisations are the registered occupational representatives under the Act: NZWG (Writers), Equity NZ (Performers), DEGANZ (Directors and Post-Production Technicians), SIGANZ (Production Technicians), and SMSG (Composers).
NZWG will continue to actively engage with Spada alongside the other Worker Organisations and will keep you informed as this process progresses.
Thank you for your continued engagement and support, especially to those who joined us at the Creative Power workshops across the motu this year.
NZWG Festive Office Hours
Thank you for supporting NZWG in 2025!
It’s now time for us to take a hard-earned break over the summer season.
CLOSED: 22 December 2025
OPENING: 19 January 2025
We look forward to supporting you again in 2026 to celebrate 50 years of NZWG supporting screenwriters!
Have a safe and restful summer season.
2026 Year of the Writer
In 2026, the New Zealand Writers Guild turns 50. NZWG was formed in 1975 & unionised in 1976.
In January we will be unveiling our anniversary programme, including live & online masterclasses and panels.
For now, pencil Thursday 8 October 2026 in your calendars for our 50th Anniversary Gala Dinner in Auckland.
Screenwriters Credits Survey
Help Set the Record Straight!
We’re building a definitive record of Aotearoa New Zealand screenwriting credits from 1976–2026… and we need your eyes on it.
Review the list, fix missing or incorrect credits, and add projects that aren’t there yet.
Take your time over summer to complete it.
As 2025 draws to a close, we pause to reflect. But first, thank you. None of this work happens without you, our screenwriters. Thank you for your trust, your whakaaro, your challenges, and your solidarity.
Already an NZWG member? Sign in here
2025 A Year in Review
Kia ora koutou,
As 2025 draws to a close, we pause to reflect. But first, thank you. None of this work happens without you, our screenwriters. Thank you for your trust, your whakaaro, your challenges, and your solidarity.
Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari kē he toa takitini.
Our strength is not that of the individual, but of the collective.
Here’s a brief snapshot of what NZWG has been doing on your behalf this year.
Advocacy & Writer Support
NZWG continued to provide contract advice, advocacy, and one-to-one support to members navigating development deals, commissions, options, purchases, and increasingly complex AI clauses. Writers should not have to navigate this risk alone.
Key submissions and resources can be found HERE on our website, by scrolling to the Submissions and Resources section.
Collective Bargaining & SIWA
A major focus has been laying the groundwork for collective bargaining under the Screen Industry Workers Act (SIWA). NZWG worked closely with other worker organisations to build shared strategy, develop common positions on occupational standards, and engage with Spada in preparation for formal bargaining.
Copyright, AI & Human-Led Creation
NZWG continued sustained advocacy to protect writers’ copyright, contributed to cross-sector and government discussions on AI legislation and safeguards, and advanced the principle of Human-Led Creation as essential to a fair and sustainable screen sector.
Creative Power Workshops
One of the most energising pieces of work this year has been the Creative Power workshop series, delivered around the country with our fellow screen unions DEGANZ and Equity NZ.
These free workshops supported writers and other screen workers to better understand their rights under SIWA, and the value of collective action. This work will continue to evolve in 2026.
Celebrating 50 Years
Next year marks 50 years of the New Zealand Writers Guild as a union, with events planned throughout the year, including a very special Gala Dinner on Thursday 8 October 2026.
We’re proud of what we’ve protected and grown together in 2025, and we’re heading into 2026 with energy and optimism.
Ngā mihi nui,
Alice Shearman
Executive Director, NZWG
Special Spada & SIWA Update
We wanted to share a brief update from a meeting on 15 December 2025 between the registered Worker Organisations and Spada, relating to the Screen Industry Workers Act (SIWA) 2022.
Spada and Worker Organisations met in good faith to discuss SIWA processes, Spada registration, member concerns, and next steps. The discussion was constructive, and further legal advice will be sought before any decisions are taken by Spada.
The Worker Organisations are the registered occupational representatives under the Act: NZWG (Writers), Equity NZ (Performers), DEGANZ (Directors and Post-Production Technicians), SIGANZ (Production Technicians), and SMSG (Composers).
NZWG will continue to actively engage with Spada alongside the other Worker Organisations and will keep you informed as this process progresses.
Thank you for your continued engagement and support, especially to those who joined us at the Creative Power workshops across the motu this year.
NZWG Festive Office Hours
Thank you for supporting NZWG in 2025!
It’s now time for us to take a hard-earned break over the summer season.
CLOSED: 22 December 2025
OPENING: 19 January 2025
We look forward to supporting you again in 2026 to celebrate 50 years of NZWG supporting screenwriters!
Have a safe and restful summer season.
2026 Year of the Writer
In 2026, the New Zealand Writers Guild turns 50. NZWG was formed in 1975 & unionised in 1976.
In January we will be unveiling our anniversary programme, including live & online masterclasses and panels.
For now, pencil Thursday 8 October 2026 in your calendars for our 50th Anniversary Gala Dinner in Auckland.
Screenwriters Credits Survey
Help Set the Record Straight!
We’re building a definitive record of Aotearoa New Zealand screenwriting credits from 1976–2026… and we need your eyes on it.
Review the list, fix missing or incorrect credits, and add projects that aren’t there yet.
Take your time over summer to complete it.
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