June 2026 Bulletin
WHAT'S ON JUNE 2026
Happy June beautiful members, it's officially the first week of winter and it's already pissing down in Tāmaki!
Last week we hosted our 2026 AGM, where we said a very fond goodbye to our fabulous Co-President Fiona Samuel. Fiona marked the end of 7 years as our Co-President by having a stunning time in France! We wish her all the very best and can't wait to see her again soon.
We also welcomed our new Co-President, Pip Hall, back to the Guild. Pip was a member of our board, and the President before her departure 9 years ago, and we're very happy to have her back with us!
If you'd like to catch up on what happened at the AGM, let me know and I can send you the recording and documents. Send me an email at mirabelle@nzwg.org.nz.
Here's a brief report summary for all interested parties:
Alice's Executive Director's Report focused on how NZWG has spent the year advocating for screenwriters through major progress toward collective bargaining, copyright and AI policy work, member services, national programmes, and 50th anniversary activities.
Fiona's outgoing Co-President's Report celebrates a breakthrough toward collective bargaining for screenwriters, highlights our 50th anniversary as a milestone year for NZWG, and calls on members to stay engaged and celebrate their own, and the Guild’s, achievements.
SIWA UPDATE... gasp!
If you read only one part of this bulletin, make it this one.
After SIWA passed in 2022, the one small obstacle to collective bargaining was that the producers' organisation, SPADA, had declined to register as an Engager Organisation: which is rather like agreeing to a duel and then refusing to show up to the field. That is now, finally, being sorted.
The Worker Organisations (NZWG, DEGANZ, Equity NZ and SIGANZ) have drafted a Memorandum of Understanding with SPADA to govern how bargaining begins. The MoU was presented to SPADA in May 2026, and SPADA's board is considers it at their 18 June meeting. If approved, SPADA registers as an Engager Organisation and the MoU is signed.
The good bit for us: writers go first. NZWG's round is the opening round, with bargaining initiation indicatively set for July 2026. This reflects the writer being at the start of the production process, and the Guild having done the homework.
What this means, in plain terms: for the first time in decades, screenwriters in Aotearoa are on track for a collectively bargained floor — minimum rates, mandatory contract terms, and protections that don't depend on how good you happen to be at negotiating at 11pm the night before a deadline. It won't be perfect, and it won't be the last word. First agreements never are. But it will be the first enforceable floor writers have had in a very long time, and every round after this one builds on it.
We'll keep you posted at every step. If you have questions about what bargaining means for a contract you're working on right now, the Contract Advice service is open to you today.
MEMBERSHIP SURVEY
We've set up a new online area where you can all form writers groups to open dialogue between members. A while ago I sent out a survey document where you can let me know what you would like to see from these groups and from us in general. I only got 7 responses to this survey (I'm not mad, just disappointed) so I'm going to need you all to PLEASE FILL OUT THIS FORM.
To view and join these groups, log in to your membership portal here, and then navigate to the 'subscriptions' tab. Here you should be able to join groups and make conversation with others in the groups (these are still under construction, so forgive any initial clunkiness!).
MONTHLY MONDAY MEETING WITH MIRABELLE
How's that for alliteration, huh?
We're setting up a monthly zoom drop-in session with your lovely Membership Manager Mirabelle, where you can pop in and ask any niggling questions, just say hi, or pass on any feedback. Kicking it off this month the session will be on Monday June 29th from 1-2pm. Zoom link and reminder will be sent closer to the time.
50th ANNIVERSARY MERCH
Join us in celebrating 50 years of the NZWG by buying our beautiful new limited edition merch here.
Look like a member of Team Writer by buying a black T-Shirt (so we can all match!) and while you're there you may as well buy a pin also, they're very fetching.
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.
EVENTS, NEWS, AND OPPORTUNITIES
Creative Matchmaking/Speed dating
On Sunday June 20, WIFT is hosting Creative Matchmaking - a structured day of short one-on-one meetings. This event is designed for Producers to meet with Writers & Directors. An awesome opportunity to make new connections.
Registrations close at 5pm on Sunday 14th June, more info here.
Pitch the Producers 2026
Got a film project you'd like to get off the ground? Applications are open for Misty Flick's Pitch the Producers. Whether you’re developing your first short film or refining a larger project, Pitch the Producers is designed to help you grow in confidence, clarity, and industry understanding .
Deadline to pitch your idea: 15 June
Big Screen Symposium 2026 - University of Auckland, 3-4 July
Script to Screen presents Big Screen Symposium (BSS), one of Aotearoa's most significant annual screen industry events.
A packed two-day symposium.
Registration and more info here
Auckland Writefest 2026
This years Auckland Writefest is being held on July 4th, from 8am-5pm at Toi Tu Studio in Ponsonby!
Join for a jam-packed day of creative writing workshops and networking. 5 workshops, 2 panels, 7 tutors. Early bird tickets available until June 7, more info and tickets here
48Hours Film Fest Registrations Open
Earlybird registrations are now open for the Vista Foundation 48Hours film competition. The weekend for filming will be: 31 July - 2nd August.
Earlybird Deadline: 1 July
The Big Idea breaks down the Budget
If you're feeling bummed about what the 2026 Budget means for the arts, check out the arts focused breakdown here (you may still be bummed, but in an informed way).
Happy June beautiful members, it's officially the first week of winter and it's already pissing down in Tāmaki!
Last week we hosted our 2026 AGM, where we said a very fond goodbye to our fabulous Co-President Fiona Samuel. Fiona marked the end of 7 years as our Co-President by having a stunning time in France! We wish her all the very best and can't wait to see her again soon.
Already an NZWG member? Sign in here
WHAT'S ON JUNE 2026
Happy June beautiful members, it's officially the first week of winter and it's already pissing down in Tāmaki!
Last week we hosted our 2026 AGM, where we said a very fond goodbye to our fabulous Co-President Fiona Samuel. Fiona marked the end of 7 years as our Co-President by having a stunning time in France! We wish her all the very best and can't wait to see her again soon.
We also welcomed our new Co-President, Pip Hall, back to the Guild. Pip was a member of our board, and the President before her departure 9 years ago, and we're very happy to have her back with us!
If you'd like to catch up on what happened at the AGM, let me know and I can send you the recording and documents. Send me an email at mirabelle@nzwg.org.nz.
Here's a brief report summary for all interested parties:
Alice's Executive Director's Report focused on how NZWG has spent the year advocating for screenwriters through major progress toward collective bargaining, copyright and AI policy work, member services, national programmes, and 50th anniversary activities.
Fiona's outgoing Co-President's Report celebrates a breakthrough toward collective bargaining for screenwriters, highlights our 50th anniversary as a milestone year for NZWG, and calls on members to stay engaged and celebrate their own, and the Guild’s, achievements.
SIWA UPDATE... gasp!
If you read only one part of this bulletin, make it this one.
After SIWA passed in 2022, the one small obstacle to collective bargaining was that the producers' organisation, SPADA, had declined to register as an Engager Organisation: which is rather like agreeing to a duel and then refusing to show up to the field. That is now, finally, being sorted.
The Worker Organisations (NZWG, DEGANZ, Equity NZ and SIGANZ) have drafted a Memorandum of Understanding with SPADA to govern how bargaining begins. The MoU was presented to SPADA in May 2026, and SPADA's board is considers it at their 18 June meeting. If approved, SPADA registers as an Engager Organisation and the MoU is signed.
The good bit for us: writers go first. NZWG's round is the opening round, with bargaining initiation indicatively set for July 2026. This reflects the writer being at the start of the production process, and the Guild having done the homework.
What this means, in plain terms: for the first time in decades, screenwriters in Aotearoa are on track for a collectively bargained floor — minimum rates, mandatory contract terms, and protections that don't depend on how good you happen to be at negotiating at 11pm the night before a deadline. It won't be perfect, and it won't be the last word. First agreements never are. But it will be the first enforceable floor writers have had in a very long time, and every round after this one builds on it.
We'll keep you posted at every step. If you have questions about what bargaining means for a contract you're working on right now, the Contract Advice service is open to you today.
MEMBERSHIP SURVEY
We've set up a new online area where you can all form writers groups to open dialogue between members. A while ago I sent out a survey document where you can let me know what you would like to see from these groups and from us in general. I only got 7 responses to this survey (I'm not mad, just disappointed) so I'm going to need you all to PLEASE FILL OUT THIS FORM.
To view and join these groups, log in to your membership portal here, and then navigate to the 'subscriptions' tab. Here you should be able to join groups and make conversation with others in the groups (these are still under construction, so forgive any initial clunkiness!).
MONTHLY MONDAY MEETING WITH MIRABELLE
How's that for alliteration, huh?
We're setting up a monthly zoom drop-in session with your lovely Membership Manager Mirabelle, where you can pop in and ask any niggling questions, just say hi, or pass on any feedback. Kicking it off this month the session will be on Monday June 29th from 1-2pm. Zoom link and reminder will be sent closer to the time.
50th ANNIVERSARY MERCH
Join us in celebrating 50 years of the NZWG by buying our beautiful new limited edition merch here.
Look like a member of Team Writer by buying a black T-Shirt (so we can all match!) and while you're there you may as well buy a pin also, they're very fetching.
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.
EVENTS, NEWS, AND OPPORTUNITIES
Creative Matchmaking/Speed dating
On Sunday June 20, WIFT is hosting Creative Matchmaking - a structured day of short one-on-one meetings. This event is designed for Producers to meet with Writers & Directors. An awesome opportunity to make new connections.
Registrations close at 5pm on Sunday 14th June, more info here.
Pitch the Producers 2026
Got a film project you'd like to get off the ground? Applications are open for Misty Flick's Pitch the Producers. Whether you’re developing your first short film or refining a larger project, Pitch the Producers is designed to help you grow in confidence, clarity, and industry understanding .
Deadline to pitch your idea: 15 June
Big Screen Symposium 2026 - University of Auckland, 3-4 July
Script to Screen presents Big Screen Symposium (BSS), one of Aotearoa's most significant annual screen industry events.
A packed two-day symposium.
Registration and more info here
Auckland Writefest 2026
This years Auckland Writefest is being held on July 4th, from 8am-5pm at Toi Tu Studio in Ponsonby!
Join for a jam-packed day of creative writing workshops and networking. 5 workshops, 2 panels, 7 tutors. Early bird tickets available until June 7, more info and tickets here
48Hours Film Fest Registrations Open
Earlybird registrations are now open for the Vista Foundation 48Hours film competition. The weekend for filming will be: 31 July - 2nd August.
Earlybird Deadline: 1 July
The Big Idea breaks down the Budget
If you're feeling bummed about what the 2026 Budget means for the arts, check out the arts focused breakdown here (you may still be bummed, but in an informed way).
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