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Coming EventsThe Top of the South Branch
of the New Zealand Society of Authors |
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This page provides information about events organised by the branch, by individual members, or of particular local interest. To have your event listed here, as well as in the newsletter, contact the Branch Editor
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STEMWriters at Nelson Library
STEMWriters is a small group with widely varying interests in writing, from short fiction to social commentary, social history and poetry. They meet on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 1 pm at the Elma Turner Library in Nelson. The next meetings will be on Tuesday 11 & 25 May. For more information contact Jackie Cook at taongajac@gmail.com
Author Talk at Takaka
Rebecca Hayter will be at Takaka Library on Wednesday 12 May, 2 – 3 pm, talking about her new book Wild Seas to Greenland: a Sailing Adventure with Ocean Racer Ross Field.
In 2017 yachting journalist Rebecca Hayter sailed from the UK with veteran ocean racer Ross Field on a quest to sail the Northwest Passage. For Rebecca, it was a personal journey as a sailor and a voyage of research as a journalist. She knew many sailors would love to share this rare opportunity – to learn from Ross Field’s 35 years of ocean racing as he refitted a tired, 20-year-old aluminium yacht and skippered his boat across the North Atlantic.
Rebecca has written about yachting in New Zealand for nearly 30 years . She was editor of Boating New Zealand for twelve and a half years , and her many journalism and writing awards include 2020 Columnist/Blogger of the Year. Her most recent assignment was writing daily updates for Northsails.com over the American’s Cup.
Wild Seas to Greenland will be available for sale on the day for $39.95 cash (or you can be invoiced). The event is free and everyone is welcome.
In 2017 yachting journalist Rebecca Hayter sailed from the UK with veteran ocean racer Ross Field on a quest to sail the Northwest Passage. For Rebecca, it was a personal journey as a sailor and a voyage of research as a journalist. She knew many sailors would love to share this rare opportunity – to learn from Ross Field’s 35 years of ocean racing as he refitted a tired, 20-year-old aluminium yacht and skippered his boat across the North Atlantic.
Rebecca has written about yachting in New Zealand for nearly 30 years . She was editor of Boating New Zealand for twelve and a half years , and her many journalism and writing awards include 2020 Columnist/Blogger of the Year. Her most recent assignment was writing daily updates for Northsails.com over the American’s Cup.
Wild Seas to Greenland will be available for sale on the day for $39.95 cash (or you can be invoiced). The event is free and everyone is welcome.
Richmond Writing Group
The Richmond Writing Group is for adults with an interest in writing – whether you’re just thinking about starting to write something, you’re a published author, or somewhere in between. The group meets on the third Tuesday of the month, 1 – 3 pm, in the Constance Barnicoat Room at Richmond Library. In the first hour there is an author talk, then from 2 pm everyone is welcome to join the Richmond Writing Group for an hour of discussion or creative writing exercises in a relaxed, supportive atmosphere. It’s free to attend and anyone of any ability can come. Bring writing materials.
The next meeting will be on Tuesday 18 May when the guest speaker at 1 pm will be local playwright, poet and experienced drama and performing arts teacher Gaelynne Pound. Gaelynne will be talking about her life as a writer and introducing some of her many works.
For more information contact Pania Walton, Promotions Assistant, Richmond Library at pania.walton@tasman.govt.nz
The next meeting will be on Tuesday 18 May when the guest speaker at 1 pm will be local playwright, poet and experienced drama and performing arts teacher Gaelynne Pound. Gaelynne will be talking about her life as a writer and introducing some of her many works.
For more information contact Pania Walton, Promotions Assistant, Richmond Library at pania.walton@tasman.govt.nz
NZSA Roadshow and Top of the South Branch AGM 2021
The New Zealand Society of Authors Regional Roadshow comes to Nelson on Saturday 22 May,
9 am – 6.30 pm. Take part in a day of keynote sessions, workshops, master classes and discussions, plus a catered morning tea/ coffee and lunch. The event is open to all, including NZSA members, non-members and students. The venue is Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT), 71 Nile Street, Nelson, in rooms T301 and T309.
The image shows the people presenting the workshops and master classes. L-R, top row: Paula Morris, Wendy Vella; bottom row: Sue Copsey, Trudi Jaye, Kerry Sunderland, Rajorshi Chakraborti.
Note that some sessions will have limited numbers, so book early. To check out the full programme of sessions and to register, go to:
https://authors.org.nz/nzsa-regional-roadshows/ You will need to purchase a Whole Day ticket, then select the specific sessions you wish to attend. The prices currently listed are ‘Early Bird’; they will increase by $25 from 8 May.
The day includes the 2021 AGM of the NZSA Top of the South branch at 4.30 pm. There is no cost to attend this, so if you are not participating in any of the other events there is no need to use the Registration form – just turn up! After the AGM there will be the opportunity to mix and mingle over drinks and nibbles. We look forward to seeing you there.
9 am – 6.30 pm. Take part in a day of keynote sessions, workshops, master classes and discussions, plus a catered morning tea/ coffee and lunch. The event is open to all, including NZSA members, non-members and students. The venue is Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT), 71 Nile Street, Nelson, in rooms T301 and T309.
The image shows the people presenting the workshops and master classes. L-R, top row: Paula Morris, Wendy Vella; bottom row: Sue Copsey, Trudi Jaye, Kerry Sunderland, Rajorshi Chakraborti.
Note that some sessions will have limited numbers, so book early. To check out the full programme of sessions and to register, go to:
https://authors.org.nz/nzsa-regional-roadshows/ You will need to purchase a Whole Day ticket, then select the specific sessions you wish to attend. The prices currently listed are ‘Early Bird’; they will increase by $25 from 8 May.
The day includes the 2021 AGM of the NZSA Top of the South branch at 4.30 pm. There is no cost to attend this, so if you are not participating in any of the other events there is no need to use the Registration form – just turn up! After the AGM there will be the opportunity to mix and mingle over drinks and nibbles. We look forward to seeing you there.
Golden Bay Writers Group
The Golden Bay Writers Group meets monthly in Takaka. Meet up to connect, work on writing projects and share feedback in a supportive way.
The next meeting will be held Saturday 22 May from 10 - 12.30 at the GB Community Arts Council, 24 Commercial Street. If you love to write, join us! In this group we write and creativity flourishes. Within a two and half hour time frame we write for four minutes, then 40 minutes. We like to start promptly at 10 am to make the most of the time. Please bring your own paper/writing journals and pens, as well as cash koha for the use of the venue. The theme for May is ‘tūrangawaewe – a place to stand’.
We believe everyone is a writer. We provide a safe space to both write and share our writing. A primary intent of connecting in this way is to hear each other’s work and to reflect on its impact upon us rather than offering critical review. Our aim is ease; writing, reading and responding are all optional.
Everyone is welcome to Golden Bay Writers Group meetings. The date and venue can vary, so for details contact Jay Indik at jayindik@icloud.com
or Charlotte Squire at 027 525 7455 or charlottesquirecoms@gmail.com.
The next meeting will be held Saturday 22 May from 10 - 12.30 at the GB Community Arts Council, 24 Commercial Street. If you love to write, join us! In this group we write and creativity flourishes. Within a two and half hour time frame we write for four minutes, then 40 minutes. We like to start promptly at 10 am to make the most of the time. Please bring your own paper/writing journals and pens, as well as cash koha for the use of the venue. The theme for May is ‘tūrangawaewe – a place to stand’.
We believe everyone is a writer. We provide a safe space to both write and share our writing. A primary intent of connecting in this way is to hear each other’s work and to reflect on its impact upon us rather than offering critical review. Our aim is ease; writing, reading and responding are all optional.
Everyone is welcome to Golden Bay Writers Group meetings. The date and venue can vary, so for details contact Jay Indik at jayindik@icloud.com
or Charlotte Squire at 027 525 7455 or charlottesquirecoms@gmail.com.
Self-Publishing Workshops in Greymouth
Wendy Scott is holding self-publishing workshops in Greymouth in May – six hours over two Sundays. Wendy's workshops are full of valuable hints, tips, and current information tailored to the participants' needs, and you are sure to leave motivated to write with a goal of publishing, either now or in the future.
The workshops take place on Sundays 23 and 30 May, 11 am – 2 pm, at the New Coasters Office, 38 Albert Street, Greymouth. The cost is $54. Please register by emailing Katrina at kbtaiwan@gmail.com. (A minimum of six paid registrations is needed to hold the course.)
The workshops take place on Sundays 23 and 30 May, 11 am – 2 pm, at the New Coasters Office, 38 Albert Street, Greymouth. The cost is $54. Please register by emailing Katrina at kbtaiwan@gmail.com. (A minimum of six paid registrations is needed to hold the course.)
Picton Poets
The Picton Poets usually meet on the fourth Wednesday of the month, from 10.30 am – 12.00 pm at Picton Library. They share their own original poems in a friendly, constructive atmosphere. New members and visitors are welcome.
The next meeting will be on Wednesday 26 May. There will be a writing exercise on a topic to be announced.
For more information contact Joyce Elwood-Smith on 027 226 1276 or joyce.elwoodsmith@gmail.com
The next meeting will be on Wednesday 26 May. There will be a writing exercise on a topic to be announced.
For more information contact Joyce Elwood-Smith on 027 226 1276 or joyce.elwoodsmith@gmail.com
Tasman Writers
Tasman Writers meets monthly, at a time and place notified by email each month. Their next meeting will be on Thursday 27 May, 5 – 6.30 pm, at Community House, Decks Reserve, Motueka. The guest speaker will be be Ali Brown, who writes instructional books on how to weave flax (harakeke - New Zealand Phormium tenax).
Her first book, Weaving Flowers from New Zealand Flax, was published in 2008. She has since written three more instructional flax weaving books, the latest one published in 2020. Her book structure of step-by-step instructions complemented by colour images is a method which many readers, both new and experienced in the craft, have commented is clear and easy to follow.
In 2018, Ali moved from her hometown of Ōtautahi/ Christchurch to Ngatimoti in Tasman, where she regularly weaves with a roopu at Te Āwhina marae, holds flax weaving workshops and studies te reo Māori through NMIT.
Tasman Writers welcomes everyone who writes, whatever your genre and whether you write for fun, for profit, for family, or for hiding in your desk. The get-togethers may include a speaker, and always have time for sharing ideas, asking questions, or discussing challenges. Gold coin koha.
For more information, or to have your name added to the mailing list, please contact Trish at dunrban@xtra.co.nz or Lucy at tosnzsa15@gmail.com
Her first book, Weaving Flowers from New Zealand Flax, was published in 2008. She has since written three more instructional flax weaving books, the latest one published in 2020. Her book structure of step-by-step instructions complemented by colour images is a method which many readers, both new and experienced in the craft, have commented is clear and easy to follow.
In 2018, Ali moved from her hometown of Ōtautahi/ Christchurch to Ngatimoti in Tasman, where she regularly weaves with a roopu at Te Āwhina marae, holds flax weaving workshops and studies te reo Māori through NMIT.
Tasman Writers welcomes everyone who writes, whatever your genre and whether you write for fun, for profit, for family, or for hiding in your desk. The get-togethers may include a speaker, and always have time for sharing ideas, asking questions, or discussing challenges. Gold coin koha.
For more information, or to have your name added to the mailing list, please contact Trish at dunrban@xtra.co.nz or Lucy at tosnzsa15@gmail.com
Writers at Lunchtime
Writers at Lunchtime takes place 11.30 am – 1.30 pm on the first Wednesday of every month (except January) at the Café at Founders Park in Nelson. There is usually a guest speaker at 12.30 pm.
The next meeting will be on Wednesday 2 June. The guest speaker will be Ali Brown, who writes instructional books on how to weave flax (harakeke - New Zealand Phormium tenax).
Her first book, Weaving Flowers from New Zealand Flax, was published in 2008. She has since written three more instructional flax weaving books, the latest one published in 2020. Her book structure of step-by-step instructions complemented by colour images is a method which many readers, both new and experienced in the craft, have commented is clear and easy to follow.
In 2018, Ali moved from her hometown of Ōtautahi/ Christchurch to Ngatimoti in Tasman, where she regularly weaves with a roopu at Te Āwhina marae, holds flax weaving workshops and studies te reo Māori through NMIT.
Founders Park is at 87 Atawhai Drive, Nelson. Enter through the Windmill; there is plenty of parking on Atawhai Drive. Everyone is welcome. Come any time from 11.30 am, but make sure to be there at 12.30 pm for Tracy's talk. For more information Belinda at bmellor12@icloud.com or Sue at 021 061 6470.
The next meeting will be on Wednesday 2 June. The guest speaker will be Ali Brown, who writes instructional books on how to weave flax (harakeke - New Zealand Phormium tenax).
Her first book, Weaving Flowers from New Zealand Flax, was published in 2008. She has since written three more instructional flax weaving books, the latest one published in 2020. Her book structure of step-by-step instructions complemented by colour images is a method which many readers, both new and experienced in the craft, have commented is clear and easy to follow.
In 2018, Ali moved from her hometown of Ōtautahi/ Christchurch to Ngatimoti in Tasman, where she regularly weaves with a roopu at Te Āwhina marae, holds flax weaving workshops and studies te reo Māori through NMIT.
Founders Park is at 87 Atawhai Drive, Nelson. Enter through the Windmill; there is plenty of parking on Atawhai Drive. Everyone is welcome. Come any time from 11.30 am, but make sure to be there at 12.30 pm for Tracy's talk. For more information Belinda at bmellor12@icloud.com or Sue at 021 061 6470.
'Life Sentence' Writing Group
‘Life Sentence’ is a writing group for those who want to write better, be inspired and be supported to publish. They meet on the first Thursday of the month at The Workshop in New Street, Nelson, 5.30 - 7pm. The next meeting will be on Thursday 3 June.
For more information contact Chris Stuart on 027 777 2556, or email chrisannstuart@gmail.com.
For more information contact Chris Stuart on 027 777 2556, or email chrisannstuart@gmail.com.
Mawhera Writers (Greymouth)
Formerly West Coast Writers, this group welcomes writers of all genres to write together, get feedback on their work, and to discuss all things ‘writing’ in a respectful, encouraging environment. Don't worry about your level of experience – everyone is welcome! The group meets on the first Sunday of each month, 11 am – 1 pm, at CoRe (New Coaster’s Office), 38 Albert Street, Greymouth. Gold coin donation for venue appreciated.
Their next meeting will be on Sunday 6 June. Contact Katrina Brown at kbtaiwan@gmail.com for more details and to go on the group mailing list. Follow them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/mawherawriters/
to find and share writing-related updates and discussion relevant to the group.
Their next meeting will be on Sunday 6 June. Contact Katrina Brown at kbtaiwan@gmail.com for more details and to go on the group mailing list. Follow them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/mawherawriters/
to find and share writing-related updates and discussion relevant to the group.
Blackball Readers and Writers Festival
The second Blackball Readers and Writers Festival takes place over Queen’s Birthday Weekend, from midday Saturday 5 June through to the evening of Sunday 6 June, once again in the beautiful setting of the local school. This intimate festival is a contribution to the West Coast transition economy. The theme is activists, renegades and recluses.
To begin the festival, biographer Pat White and editor and environmental writer David Young will ‘recover’ the work of Greymouth-born Peter Hooper, poet, teacher, novelist, environmentalist and mentor to young writers. After a break, Catherine Woollet will interview Sandra Arnold, whose work includes a book on parental bereavement, a short fiction collection and her third, recent historical novel, The Ash, the Well and the Bluebell.
On Sunday morning, Paddy Richardson will talk with Becky Manawatu, whose first novel Auē has won major prizes, and Elspeth Sandys will speak with Jeffrey Paparoa Holman about her extensive writing life with a focus on her latest work, A Communist in the Family: Searching for Rewi Alley.
In the afternoon, Paul Maunder will talk with Nicky Hager, NZ’s best known investigative journalist, whose books have uncovered environmental, political and military skulduggery, and Caroline Selwood will discuss with Tim Jones and Kathleen Gallagher their source material and their motivation, leading to a more general discussion on this theme.
Other items in the programme are a book launch, a poetry reading, an evening of storytelling and a wrap-up dinner at the Hilton with a sharing of letters, either real or fictional, chaired by Stevan Eldred-Grigg.
There is a range of accommodation available and car sharing can be facilitated. The Festival has a limit of 50 guests, so register early with wkcultur@gmail.com
Cost: Full Festival: $80, including lunches and Saturday dinner.
One day: $40. Session: $20.
The Festival is supported by Creative Communities and Cycle Journeys.
To begin the festival, biographer Pat White and editor and environmental writer David Young will ‘recover’ the work of Greymouth-born Peter Hooper, poet, teacher, novelist, environmentalist and mentor to young writers. After a break, Catherine Woollet will interview Sandra Arnold, whose work includes a book on parental bereavement, a short fiction collection and her third, recent historical novel, The Ash, the Well and the Bluebell.
On Sunday morning, Paddy Richardson will talk with Becky Manawatu, whose first novel Auē has won major prizes, and Elspeth Sandys will speak with Jeffrey Paparoa Holman about her extensive writing life with a focus on her latest work, A Communist in the Family: Searching for Rewi Alley.
In the afternoon, Paul Maunder will talk with Nicky Hager, NZ’s best known investigative journalist, whose books have uncovered environmental, political and military skulduggery, and Caroline Selwood will discuss with Tim Jones and Kathleen Gallagher their source material and their motivation, leading to a more general discussion on this theme.
Other items in the programme are a book launch, a poetry reading, an evening of storytelling and a wrap-up dinner at the Hilton with a sharing of letters, either real or fictional, chaired by Stevan Eldred-Grigg.
There is a range of accommodation available and car sharing can be facilitated. The Festival has a limit of 50 guests, so register early with wkcultur@gmail.com
Cost: Full Festival: $80, including lunches and Saturday dinner.
One day: $40. Session: $20.
The Festival is supported by Creative Communities and Cycle Journeys.
Writers of Picton
Writers of Picton usually meet on the first Monday of the month (except January) at 1.30 pm in the upstairs meeting room at Picton Library.
The next meeting will be on Monday 7 June. There will be a writing exercise of 200-400 words on a topic to be announced.
Contact Peter and Irene Thomas on 03-573-5501 or 027 2493146 for more information.
The next meeting will be on Monday 7 June. There will be a writing exercise of 200-400 words on a topic to be announced.
Contact Peter and Irene Thomas on 03-573-5501 or 027 2493146 for more information.
Nelson Romance Writers
The Nelson branch of Romance Writers of NZ (RWNZ) usually meet on the second Saturday of every month. They meet at 2 pm at the National Party Office, corner of Waimea & Quarantine Roads, Nelson. Visitors are always welcome. If you are not an RWNZ member, you are welcome to attend a meeting before deciding whether or not to join.
The next meeting will be on Saturday 12 June. For more information contact Annika Ohlson-Smith at 03-548 5561, email amos46@xtra.co.nz
The next meeting will be on Saturday 12 June. For more information contact Annika Ohlson-Smith at 03-548 5561, email amos46@xtra.co.nz