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.

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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.

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Best Practice Guide

The guide for screenwriters and producers working together.

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Contract Advice, Negotiation & Mediation

Navigate screenwriting contracts with confidence. Template agreements, contract advice, negotiation tips, and mediation assistance from NZWG.

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Credit Arbitration

Writers receive credits for the writing they have completed on any works. These credits are assigned, with agreement of the writer, by the Producer and are laid out in the Writers Agreement. For more information, click here.

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NZWG Rates Guide

Rates Guide recommending minimum rates for screenwriters based on current market rates and funding allocations.

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Screen Industry Workers Act

Your guide to understanding the Screen Industry Workers Act 2022 (SIWA). What will it mean for your and your work in the screen industry.

Resources & Submissions

Read recent submissions if you'd like to know what NZWG are doing on behalf of screenwriters.

Submissions

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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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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

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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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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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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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

Join the New Zealand Writers Guild

Become a member and access exclusive benefits and resources.

Tiers & Benefits

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