February 2026 Bulletin
WHAT’S ON?
This month we begin our 50th anniversary programme of events with an Online Masterclass from Fiona Samuel. This Masterclass will come a couple of days after the first Seed round of 2026 has opened. Come along - get some tips and learn some tricks before you submit your application.
Also this month we begin our series of bulletins charting the history of NZWG. And onward to Whanganui-a-Tara in March!
Online Masterclass
Seed draft ready? Application… less so?
Winning SEED Applications with Fiona Samuel. Fiona shares what strengthens an application, and what quietly weakens it.
Friday 27 February 2026 | 7–8.30pm | Online
TICKETS:
NZWG, Ngā Aho Whakaari, PISA & PASC $5
General Admission $10
Where We Come From: The Writers’ Journey
Our first live panel event takes place in Wellington and opens 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, and will reflect on the role of film and television in helping us understand ourselves and each other.
Does film and television give us the chance to examine our values and culture? If the answer to this question is yes, then how are we doing? What have our stories on screen had to say about us in the past, and what are they saying about us now?
Panellists:
Dana Leaming
Dave Armstrong
John Smythe
Dr Trisha Dunleavy
Moderated by: Alice Shearman, NZWG Executive Director
WELLINGTON
Wednesday 18 March, 7pm - 9pm
The Cinema at Massey University, National Academy of Screen Arts in Wellington.
MORE Events & Opportunities
Screen Kōrero: Spotlight on Sundance
Script to Screen presents the Screen Kōrero series: Following the Sundance Film Festival screenings of Mum, I’m Alien Pregnant, producer Alix Whittaker and directors THUNDERLIPS bring an insider’s perspective on navigating one of cinema’s most artistically influential festivals.
6pm, Tues 24 February 2026, St Columba Centre, Ponsonby, Auckland
New Website Alert
Film Auckland has had a name change.
Film Auckland is now called Tāmaki Makaurau Screen Industry Network. Now screenindustrynetwork.nz
Readers & Writers Akaroa
RAWA is a small regional festival: 6-8th March, 2026
A wonderful programme of speakers and workshops for people who want to hone their writing skills.
WIFT Awards 2026
Celebrate the achievements of women in the industry.
Thursday 12th March at St Matthew-in-the-City. The most fun awards night on the industry calendar!
Dunedin Fringe Festival
The 2026 Dunedin Fringe festival programme is now live at dunedinfringe.nz
Head to the link below by genre, events dates, accessibility, venues… to browse.
And don’t forget the spectacular opening night!
Show Me Shorts 2026
The 2026 round of Show Me shorts is now ready to take submissions.
This competition provides filmmakers with a pathway toward national and international recognition.
And here’s some sad news…
After more than 7 years with us, Claire is leaving NZWG. We will miss her!
So we are throwing her a farewell party, and you are invited. Please RSVP below.
4-8pm, Friday 13 March 2026
The Bank, Pocket Bar, 592 Great North Road, Grey Lynn, Auckland
This month we begin our 50th anniversary programme of events with an Online Masterclass from Fiona Samuel. This Masterclass will come a couple of days after the first Seed round of 2026 has opened. Come along - get some tips and learn some tricks before you submit your application.
Also this month we begin our series of bulletins charting the history of NZWG. And onward to Whanganui-a-Tara in March!
Already an NZWG member? Sign in here
WHAT’S ON?
This month we begin our 50th anniversary programme of events with an Online Masterclass from Fiona Samuel. This Masterclass will come a couple of days after the first Seed round of 2026 has opened. Come along - get some tips and learn some tricks before you submit your application.
Also this month we begin our series of bulletins charting the history of NZWG. And onward to Whanganui-a-Tara in March!
Online Masterclass
Seed draft ready? Application… less so?
Winning SEED Applications with Fiona Samuel. Fiona shares what strengthens an application, and what quietly weakens it.
Friday 27 February 2026 | 7–8.30pm | Online
TICKETS:
NZWG, Ngā Aho Whakaari, PISA & PASC $5
General Admission $10
Where We Come From: The Writers’ Journey
Our first live panel event takes place in Wellington and opens 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, and will reflect on the role of film and television in helping us understand ourselves and each other.
Does film and television give us the chance to examine our values and culture? If the answer to this question is yes, then how are we doing? What have our stories on screen had to say about us in the past, and what are they saying about us now?
Panellists:
Dana Leaming
Dave Armstrong
John Smythe
Dr Trisha Dunleavy
Moderated by: Alice Shearman, NZWG Executive Director
WELLINGTON
Wednesday 18 March, 7pm - 9pm
The Cinema at Massey University, National Academy of Screen Arts in Wellington.
MORE Events & Opportunities
Screen Kōrero: Spotlight on Sundance
Script to Screen presents the Screen Kōrero series: Following the Sundance Film Festival screenings of Mum, I’m Alien Pregnant, producer Alix Whittaker and directors THUNDERLIPS bring an insider’s perspective on navigating one of cinema’s most artistically influential festivals.
6pm, Tues 24 February 2026, St Columba Centre, Ponsonby, Auckland
New Website Alert
Film Auckland has had a name change.
Film Auckland is now called Tāmaki Makaurau Screen Industry Network. Now screenindustrynetwork.nz
Readers & Writers Akaroa
RAWA is a small regional festival: 6-8th March, 2026
A wonderful programme of speakers and workshops for people who want to hone their writing skills.
WIFT Awards 2026
Celebrate the achievements of women in the industry.
Thursday 12th March at St Matthew-in-the-City. The most fun awards night on the industry calendar!
Dunedin Fringe Festival
The 2026 Dunedin Fringe festival programme is now live at dunedinfringe.nz
Head to the link below by genre, events dates, accessibility, venues… to browse.
And don’t forget the spectacular opening night!
Show Me Shorts 2026
The 2026 round of Show Me shorts is now ready to take submissions.
This competition provides filmmakers with a pathway toward national and international recognition.
And here’s some sad news…
After more than 7 years with us, Claire is leaving NZWG. We will miss her!
So we are throwing her a farewell party, and you are invited. Please RSVP below.
4-8pm, Friday 13 March 2026
The Bank, Pocket Bar, 592 Great North Road, Grey Lynn, Auckland
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