NZWG Advocacy
NZWG is the only dedicated voice for screenwriters in the policy-making space in Aotearoa New Zealand – this is where the legislation, policies, and funding decisions that impact how we make our living are designed and implemented.
By writers, for writers
NZWG is the only dedicated voice for screenwriters in the policy-making space in Aotearoa New Zealand – this is where the legislation, policies, and funding decisions that impact how we make our living are designed and implemented.
As individuals there is no way for us to help shape this policy but as a united group we can contribute to this process, it's vital that we do. There is power in numbers and knowledge. United, we're stronger. Informed, we're smarter. Legally protected, we're richer.
Over the decades, NZWG has contributed significantly to the formulation of policy. Without this work, the needs and priorities of screenwriters would not be represented and the resulting policies would not reflect and further our interests. With the right financial investment, policy setting and supportive legislative framework, we can take our stories to the world.
Resources & Submissions
Read recent submissions if you'd like to know what NZWG are doing on behalf of screenwriters.
Submissions
Published
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June 2025
Regulatory Standards Bill June 2025 - NZWG Submission
NZWG strongly opposes the Regulatory Standards Bill in its entirety, on intellectual property and cultural grounds. The Bill does not reflect the values or legal frameworks required to protect intellectual property in a fair and future-facing regulatory environment. And poses direct and disproportionate risks to the role of regulation in upholding public interest, cultural development, and creative labour.
Published
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June 2025
Education and Training (VET) Amendment Bill 2025 - NZWG Submission
NZWG is strongly in opposition to key provisions of the Bill, particularly the exclusion of the screen and creative industries from Industry Skills Board (ISB) coverage and the risk of centralising vocational education in a way that undermines workforce needs and industry engagement.
Published
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March 2025
Media Reforms 2025 - NZWG Submission
NZWG submission on the drafts proposals with the Media Reform: Modernising regulation and content funding arrangements for New Zealand 2025 discussion document. The submission focuses on: Draft proposal 2: Increasing investment into and discoverability of local content, and Draft proposal 5: Streamlining Crown content funders.
Published
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January 2025
Regulatory Standards Bill January 2025 - NZWG Submission
NZWG strongly opposes the Regulatory Standards Bill and does not support its progression in any form. We believe the Bill is unnecessary and risks creating more issues than it resolves, particularly in areas such as intellectual property rights.
Published
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December 2024
Amplify: Arts & Culture Draft Strategy Dec 2024 - NZWG Submission
NZWG submission on Amplify: A Creative and Cultural Strategy for New Zealand 2024 – 2030.
As the primary source of work and income for screenwriters is scripted content created and developed in Aotearoa New Zealand, our submission focuses on areas within Amplify that support the screen sector eco-system.
Published
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February 2024
Screen Sector Briefing to Incoming Coalition Government
NZWG, alongside the screen sectors guild and industry organisations, created this briefing to the incoming government. Highlighting the screen industry as a vital pillar of the nation’s economy, culture, and global influence.
Published
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March 2023
Combined Screen Submission - Auckland City Council Proposed Budget 2023-2024
NZWG, alongside the screen sectors guild and industry organisations, submitted to Auckland City Council in opposition to the proposed budget 2023-2024.
Published
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December 2022
NZ On Air Transitional Strategy 2023-2024 - NZWG Submission
NZWG responds to the proposed transitional strategy NZ On Air for the 2023-2024 year. As we all adjust to the domestic funding landscape goes through a period of uncertainty with the ANZPME.
Published
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September 2022
Aotearoa New Zealand Public Media Bill - NZWG Submission
NZWG supports the intent behind the Bill, and the creation of a public media entity that is committed to its stated objectives. However, the Bill has several critical areas, that to NZWG, seem to be missing.
Published
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March 2022
NZFC Proposed EDF Setting Changes - NZWG Submission
This NZWG feedback was delivered to NZFC in response to the proposed Setting Changes to EDF. Notably the proposed change to reintroduce the ability for Writers and Directors to apply to EDF without a Producer attached.
Published
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January 2022
Increasing value from government investment in the New Zealand Screen Production Grant Consultation
NZWG Submission to MCH including recommendations to help enhance the benefits of the Screen Production Rebate.
Published
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December 2021
Living Standards Framework 2021 - Treasury
A joint Screen Industry Guilds submission to The Treasury on culture being recognised as its own wealth within the Living Standards Framework 2021.
Published
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November 2021
Te Pūkenga Operating Model - NZWG Submission
This submission is about the proposed Te Pūkenga operating model. NZWG is seeking higher visibility for screenwriters within current NZQA / ANZIC codes, and welcome a flexible, learner-centric approach, with more pathways to vocational training.
Published
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November 2021
Long Term Insights Briefing - Ministry of Culture and Heritage
This briefing addresses how screenwriters can better contribute to the future economic and cultural wellbeing of Aotearoa.
Published
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June 2021
Simplifying New Zealand qualifications & other credentials - NZQA - NZWG Submission
This submission is an important part of the Reform of Vocational Education (RoVE).
Published
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January 2021
Premium Development Fund - NZFC, NZ on Air, Te Mangai Paho
This screenwriter directed feedback on the development portion of the Covid relief funding, as provided by the government to the screen industry.
Published
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May 2020
Screen Industry Workers Bill - Submission to Select Committee
This submission to the Education and Workforce Select Committee in support of the Screen Industry Workers Bill.
Published
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September 2019
Living Standards Framework 2019 - Treasury
This submission to Treasury is in support of introducing a fifth capital of culture into the Living Standards Framework (LSF).
Published
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April 2019
Copyright Act Review Issues Paper
This is the official submission by the New Zealand Writers Guild on the review of the copyright Act 1994, Issues Paper.
Published
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August 2010
NZWG Submission - Review of New Zealand Film Commission
This is the official submission by the New Zealand Writers Guild on the review of the New Zealand Film Commission.
Resources
Published
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March 2025
AI Advice: The NZWG Handbook for Screenwriters
Published
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April 2024
NZWG / IAWG / FSE Position Paper AI
IAWG and FSE have agreed on this position paper to address the ethical use of Artificial Intelligence.
Published
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June 2022
IAWG Shared Principals - Local Negotiations with Global Streamers
IAWG and FSE have agreed to a set of basic principles which will inform our campaigns to protect our members’ interests in their contractual relationships with global streaming companies.
Published
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August 2020
Screen Sector Strategy 2030
This high-level strategy sought to offer a unified view of what Aotearoa New Zealand’s screen sector might look like in 10 years’ time.
Published
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October 2018
Film Industry Working Group Recommendations
The Government convened the Film Industry Working Group in January 2018. Tasked with creating recommendations on how to enable film industry workers to bargain collectively.
Published
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NZWG Contract Checklist
The NZWG Writer’s Contracts Checklist is a quick guide to assist writers when first looking at any agreement presented to them. Know Your Rights!
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