New Zealand Writers Guild Marks 50 Years of Championing Local Storytellers

The New Zealand Writers Guild is marking 50 years of supporting local screenwriters as representatives from global writers' guilds gather in Auckland. Founded in 1976, the guild has long advocated for the storytellers behind New Zealand's film and television industry, helping to bring local narratives to life on screen.

The guild's executive director, Alice Shearman, highlights the economic and cultural impact of these stories, citing research that shows the creative sector contributed $12.9 billion to the economy in 2022 and creative exports were worth $3.6 billion in 2023. The guild's work remains crucial as it continues to push for fair pay, collective bargaining, and the protection of human authorship in an evolving industry.

To celebrate this milestone, the guild is hosting the International Affiliation of Writers Guilds (IAWG) Conference and AGM in Auckland from October 6 to 7. The event includes public panels on October 7, such as 'Top 10 Writers’ Fights' and 'Can Stories Save Us?', as well as the release of podcasts from anniversary live panels on October 8.

The guild's anniversary also reflects on its enduring mission. Originally formed as a union to secure fair pay for writers, it continues to advocate for better conditions and recognition. Recent growth in membership, up 5% in August and September, underscores the ongoing value of collective representation. Former guild president Peter Cox offers a hopeful message to writers, emphasizing the importance of camaraderie and optimism in challenging times.