Tiers & Benefits

NZWG boasts over 470 members, ranging from students through to professional script writers.

an old fashioned typewriter sitting on top of a wooden table

Membership Tiers

The NZWG Membership framework helps to assist members grow, allowing for writers to join as Associates or Students and work their way up to one of our full Membership levels of C through to A+. Choose the plan that suits your needs and budget.

Why you should join the New Zealand Writers Guild

NZWG screenwriters cannot be categorised as one homogenous group; they are communities of talented workers who live all over Aotearoa. They are a mix of ages, backgrounds, and experience levels – from students, emerging through to experienced career professionals whose living is made on the creation of ideas inked onto pages. These screenwriters’ ideas are formed in many ways, from pure imagination, to lived experiences and inspiration from many other sources.​

The following accomplishments have helped members in their every day working lives. By improving their rights, working conditions, and sustainability of their careers.

Founded in 1976

NZWG was founded in 1976 and is the professional membership association and registered trade union of Aotearoa New Zealand script writers. NZWG is committed to working in a way that adheres to the spirit and principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi. NZWG is a member of the International Affiliation of Writers Guilds (IAWG), Council of Trade Unions (CTU NZ) and WeCreate.

​Our Primary Objective

The primary objective of NZWG is to establish and enhance the minimum working conditions and compensation rates for writers. Over the decades, NZWG has achieved significant milestones in supporting writers. In the early 1980s, NZWG played a pivotal role in initiating and negotiating the Theatre Writers agreement. In the early 2000s, NZWG successfully negotiated the NZWG Model Contract with the Screen Production and Development Association (SPADA).

* New Memberships
Joining Fee $60 + Annual Fee in appropriate category (see below). The joining fee is an administration fee and is paid only once (in addition to the annual sub) provided continuous membership is then maintained.

Annual Membership Renewals
Your renewal (anniversary) date will be the end of the month you join.
E.g. if you join on 23 January, your renewal date will be 31 January the following year.

Full List of Membership Tiers:

Membership Tier
Credits / Earnings
Annual Cost
Monthly Cost
Full A+
More than 50 mins of screenwriting credits and/or earnings from screenwriting in previous year over $50,000
$
425
Coming Soon
N/A
Full A
At least 50 mins of screenwriting credits and/or earnings from screenwriting in previous year over $30,000
$
300
Coming Soon
N/A
Full B
At least 50 mins of screenwriting credits and/or earnings from screenwriting in previous year over $10,000
$
250
Coming Soon
N/A
Full C
Any screenwriting credits and/or earnings from screenwriting in previous year up to $10,000
$
200
Coming Soon
N/A
Full Membership Long Service
For writers who been a full financial member of NZWG for 20 years+ who wish to maintain contact with & support for NZWG
$
115
(to be approved by ED)
Coming Soon
N/A
Associate
A writer who has yet to have their scriptwriting produced
$
150
Coming Soon
N/A
Associate (Unwaged)
A writer who has yet to have script writing produced, who is currently unwaged (copy of current Community Services card required)
$
115
Coming Soon
N/A
Associate (Student)
A writer who has yet to have script writing produced, who is currently a student (copy of current Student ID card required)
$
115
Coming Soon
N/A
Institutional Membership - Standard Course
Recognised NZ tertiary undergraduate or post graduate scriptwriting courses may join their staff and students via this category < 15 students
$
600
Coming Soon
N/A
Institutional Membership - Smaller Course
Recognised NZ tertiary undergraduate or post graduate scriptwriting courses may join their staff and students via this category > 15 students
$
300
Coming Soon
N/A

Membership Benefits

Join the NZ Writers Guild and gain access to our Member Directory, Exclusive Events, and Member Discounts. Connect with fellow screenwriters, attend industry events, and save money on professional services.

Advocacy Support

We are committed to advocating for the rights and interests of screenwriters.

Industry Resources

Access a wealth of resources to enhance your screenwriting skills and knowledge.

Networking Opportunities

Expand your professional network and connect with like-minded individuals in the industry.

Member Discounts

Save money on professional services with our member discounts.

Exclusive Events

Attend exclusive events tailored for screenwriters.

Member Directory

Connect with fellow screenwriters in our Member Directory.

Join the New Zealand Writers Guild

Become a member and access exclusive benefits and resources.

A yellow typewriter with scrunched up paper next to it