Writing can be a solitary activity, but to grow as a writer, it helps to connect with other writers. One way to do this is through a professional organisation.
A professional organization is:
- a community of people in a similar profession,
- with an appointed or elected board who run the organization.
The purpose of the organization is:
- to assist members in education or training,
- to further advance the interests of the membership,
- to promote the industry,
- and sometimes be involved in public interests, such as a charity.
There are usually membership dues involved too.
The list below is of the professional organisations that operate within Christchurch (and New Zealand).
The New Zealand Poetry Society supports and promotes poets and poetry in New Zealand. Established in 1973, they engage with individuals and communities across New Zealand who share a sense of curiosity and excitement about poetry.
This organisation runs annual competitions, produces an annual anthology and a regular magazine, and provides poetry guidance.
This organisation represents over 1400 writers within New Zealand. The Canterbury branch is highly active, running annual workshops in May each year.
The main organisation runs several competitions and mentorships throughout the year for its members (including the Hachette Mentorship Programme). They also offer services to have publishing contracts reviewed, and book announcements for new releases by member that goes out to libraries and the greater community.
The New Zealand Writers Guild - Puni Taatuhi o Aotearoa is a professional association of script writers.
They represent the professional interests of writers in the fields of film, television, theatre, radio, comics and new media. NZWG members include most of the professional script writers working in New Zealand.
They are committed to working in a way that adheres to the spirit and the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi.
NZ Christian Writers is a nationwide collective of around 300+ authors, bloggers, editors, lyricists, poets, publishers, songwriters, storytellers and writers throughout New Zealand. Along with our bi-monthly magazines and competitions, they offer inspiring seminars and writers retreats to encourage, inspire and upskill people in their writing. NZ Christian Writers’ vision is to encourage and inspire Christian writers throughout New Zealand. They welcome both beginner and experienced writers.
Membership is based on subscription to their bi-monthly magazine The Christian Writer.
It might have Romance in its name, but this group is for any writer serious about writing fiction and getting published. With an annual conference and a highly active Christchurch chapter, this group is a great support network.
RWNZ runs several contests exclusive for its members. They also run an annual conference open to all writers with discounts for members.
Chapter meetings are held from 2-4pm on one Sunday of every month. For information email RWNZCanterbury@gmail.com
The association for creators, writers and editors of fantasy, science fiction and horror in or from New Zealand. It's all things speculative fiction.
This group runs a manuscript assessment programme and hosts an annual reader/writer convention.
This organisation is for editors and is the only organisation for editors within New Zealand. The Editors Aotearoa New Zealand branch of IPEd is still new, and systems are being set up to provide writers with more access to NZ-based editors.
A professional organisation missing?
If you know of a professional organisation that is missing from our list, please contact us and let us know.