Writers' Group Noticeboard

If you would like to form, join, or advertise for new members for an existing writer's group, please contact web@bookcouncil.org.nz with your details.

A list of Writers' Groups is also available on the New Zealand Society of Authors (NZSA) website: www.authors.org.nz

Established Writing Groups looking for Members

International

Email only writers' group
Alpha Writers is an email only writers group. Members join a writing group because they enjoy writing and discussing aspects of writing. However, membership of Alpha Writers is drawn from those who are unable to join conventional groups because of disability, remoteness or caring responsibilities. Currently, we have 13 members from England, France, Germany, West Indies, Saudi Arabia and Australia, but we operate in the English language only.

We would like a few new members to join (our maximum will be 18), but it is not for raw beginners to writing. Applicants are expected to have submitted two different items to a publisher or competition during the last two years (submission, not success, is the criterion). It is also pertinent to say that members know each other by first names only – unless they wish to say otherwise. No-one knows the reason for any membership, but enthusiasm for the enjoyment of writing is present in all members.

It would be very nice to have a member from New Zealand. So if you know of any writer who might qualify and be interested, please ask him/her to email me at olafch@aol.com putting MEMBERSHIP INTEREST in the subject box. I will then send details so that any potential member knows exactly how we operate before deciding whether to join. There is, of course, no fee for membership. In the meantime, anyone is welcome to visit our website, www.alphawriters.net
Olaf Chedzoy (Jun 07)

Nationwide

Hi there, my name is Andy. I am a budding writer living in Wellington, New Zealand. I have recently started an online community for Writers, Poets, Artists, and Readers. Though in it's infancy, the community forums, chat, gallery, and portal services are up and running. My goal is to build a community of New Zealand creative minds who don't need to meet face to face to share in their passion for all creative pursuits. I have forums set up from chatting about all sorts of topics as well as showcasing work and asking for critique and advice. Please feel free to to register and with you're help the community will grow and flourish! Visit the site at http://www.roguecreation.com (Jul 07)

The writing group 'Kiwi Writers' is an online community of NZ writers with a focus on challenging each other to write. Our website is www.kiwiwriters.org

Southern Writers NZ - a support group for writers of all levels and genres. Members are spread throughout New Zealand and contact is mainly by e-mail. Contact Sue Perkins southernwritersnz@yahoo.co.nz

I have written a book called Hidden in the Forest, and I am considering publishing it myself. But before making such a big and potentially expensive decision, I should be grateful for any comment from book group members. Please visit my website: www.hiddenintheforest.co.nz My e-mail address: kjell.yri@xtra.co.nz (Jun 07)

Northland
The Writing Group - 3rd Thursday each month, noonish in Whangarei. Contact: Anne, 437-5062 or brucemcd@igrin.co.nz

Whangarei Writers' Workshop - alternate Fridays, 9.30am to noon in Kensington. Contact: Lex, 437-6244,or sholex@igrin.co.nz

U3A (University of the Third Age) - groups meet in Whangarei (Gabrielle, 434-3935) and in Kerikeri (Bill 402-6110, mysticrose@xtra.co.nz)

Russell Writers' Workshop - 1st Sunday each month, 2 pm DOC Building on the Russell waterfront. Contact: Peter, 403-8321

Poetry, Prose, Tea and Talk - last Sunday of the month, 2.30pm at 18a Vale Road, Whangarei. Contact: Rosalie, 438-8913

Auckland

Hi. I'd like to form a writing group with people who haven't written anything noteworthy yet but would like to. Ideally I'd like to meet up once or twice a month on Saturday mornings and work through a 'How to write' book or something similar. Our meetings would be to provide feedback, inspiration and guidance. I'd like to start from October. Meetings could be held at my house in Westmere. If you're interested please contact me through jacgui@hotmail.com
Thanks, Jacqui

I'm a 47 year old professional looking for a writing group in Auckland/North Shore that meets weekday evenings. Cheers Simon. Email: shatcher@ihug.co.nz

Auckland Writers' Group - Playmarket's Auckland writers group is starting up again, facilitated once more by Gary Henderson. These groups are an ideal way for playwrights to be supported in progressing their work as well as meeting and socialising with other writers. If you're interested contact: Gary at garnet@internet.co.nz

Yum Char Writers' Group - meets sporadically, usually monthly at Alleluya Cafe in Krd, Auckland, to jam, network and foster awareness of local and overseas Asian writing. Group members use English as the common language to communicate. Email ak698@free.net.nz for further details.

Tauranga
Tauranga Writers, possibly New Zealand's longest-running writers' group (estd. 1965), meets every first Thursday of the month, 7.15 for 7.30 p.m. at Tauranga Environment Centre 12 Elizabeth Street Tauranga. Visitors and newcomers welcome. Bring copies of work in progress for helpful feedback. Check out our website www.taurangawriters.org.nz - there's a monthly Newsletter, and you can sign our guestbook. Or e-mail Jenny Argante, secretary@taurangawriters.org.nz, ph 07 576 3040, fax 07 570 2446.

Wairoa
Northern Wairoa Writer's Group - 2nd Saturday each month at CMA Building, Tirau St., Dargaville, Contact: Iris, 439-8715

Te Kuiti
Possible Te Kuiti Writers' Group Writer interested in starting a writers group in Te Kuiti. Elsie Blundell has access to 20 computers, as she works part time at the Te Kuiti Learning Centre. The computers and venue have been offered to her as a base. Elsie is able to give writers assistance with typing, word-processing or any other aspect of computer skills required in the writing field. She can offer free access to 'Writing Made Easy' on line courses and workshops that are offered to the Te Kuiti area. Any one interested in joining this group, please contact Elsie - email beb@xtra.co.nz

Wellington
Hello, my name is Joanne Loveridge and I have completed a family story which I have had published privately.I would very much like to continue writing but would like to have a writing buddy - someone to read to - bunch ideas off - inspire me. In return I can offer the same support. I would rather a face to face meeting as on line communication does not work well for me. I live in Pukerua Bay and work in Wellington.
Email: joanne.loveridge@wcc.govt.nz (Jul 07)

David Costello would like to join a book group in central Wellington. He has written short stories, and is currently working on a novel. Email: davecostello@paradise.net.nz

Wellington writing group meets some Wednesdays in central Wellington 7-9pm, providing feedback and constructive criticism for those writing short stories, novels and creative non-fiction. Limited maximum number means entry to the group is by submission of a writing sample and a commitment to contribute to the group. For more information email Catherine.taylor@telecom.co.nz or carolinet@aol.com

Writers International (NZ) is a diverse group of people– from New Zealand and around the world – who love to write. The Wellington-based meetings are relatively informal, free, and completely open to anyone who is interested in joining. We share our work with each other, hear visiting writers speak and present their work, give presentations on writers from our home countries, organise activities, and generally just tell our stories.We have a monthly newsletter, and meet on the last Tuesday of each month, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m in the Council Chamber Foyer of the Old Town Hall, 1st Floor (entrance off Wakefield Street). Contact for more information: writers_international@yahoo.co.nz 

Children's Story Writers - if you write fiction or non-fiction stories for children (published or unpublished) and are interested in meeting as a group please contact Maria Gill - email: mariagill@ihug.co.nz or phone 479-3616 or Stina Kornfeld email: stinak@xtra.co.nz. The purpose of the group is to have guest speakers, critique groups and provide support and advice to each other. If you are interested in being a speaker only we would also be very interested in hearing from you.

Writers International: This is a diverse group of Wellington writers, published and unpublished, who immigrated to Aotearoa New Zealand, were exiled here, or grew up here – anyone is welcome. Members organise readings, workshops, and parties, and publicise these through the Writers International Noticeboard, http://groups.yahoo.com/group/writers_international which also lists other Wellington literary events. Most Writers International events are held at a booked room in the Old Town Hall on the last Tuesday of the month. Even if no event is being held, there will always be someone there to welcome people. You can also meet members at the weekly Tertulia, which goes from around 6.30 pm to 8 pm in Tupelo Bar (Edward Street).

Upper Hutt
Upper Hutt Writers established over twenty years welcomes new members. Most now in the older bracket. Meet second Sunday of the month Art Society room cnr Ward Street and Miro Streets Upper Hutt. 10am--1-30 approx --subs $2 per session bring your lunch, coffee supplied.
Contact Bob Marriott at marriott.bob@xtra.co.nz

Blenheim
I am looking for others interested in writing for children to join with me to form a writers group. Hoping to meet twice a month to support each other, share and critique work. If you are interested contact Mel - blenheimwriters@yahoo.co.nz

Christchurch
Is anyone interested in an informal monthly get together? Most likely to be held in a pub, and kept very unstructured. Open to creative writers of any form and level. Please contact Gillian Ashurst with your contact details on gillian@cowgirl.co.nz or 03-3128199. If enough interest is shown she will go ahead and organise something.

Invercargill
Little Bittern Writing Group (Southland Inc). Members wanted. Phone 027 485 0551. Email: sashmukti@gmail.com
(Jun 07)

Creative Writers of Southland (Murihiku)
CWSM started in early 2006 to provide a support network for writers of all abilities and genres in the Southland area. We promote literary endeavours within Southland. We have a steadily growing membership and share writing, competition information and host occasional workshops and poetry performance evenings. Meetings are monthly on the 1st Sunday of every month at 2.00p.m. - contact Maureen on 03 216 5021 for venue details, or email: dillon-maureen@clear.net.nz
(Aug 07)