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Writing GroupsThe Top of the South Branch
of the New Zealand Society of Authors |
LOOKING FOR A WRITING GROUP?Check out the local possibilities below, or visit the New Zealand Society of Authors website for groups operating in other areas of New Zealand.
Make contact with any of the groups listed below to see if they are accepting new members. Or start your own group and let us know about it so we can list it here! |
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NELSON / TASMAN / MARLBOROUGH
Top of the South Filmmakers
This is a collective of passionate filmmakers from across the Nelson, Marlborough and Tasman region, pushing the boundaries of creativity in film. We encourage collaboration and networking with other filmmakers to produce great films, with an ever-growing online directory of cast and crew who have ‘on set’ experience of both short and feature films. Monthly film meetings are held in Nelson and Blenheim; Nelson on the second Tuesday of every month and Blenheim on the third Monday of every month. For more information see:
http://www.topofthesouth.org/
This is a collective of passionate filmmakers from across the Nelson, Marlborough and Tasman region, pushing the boundaries of creativity in film. We encourage collaboration and networking with other filmmakers to produce great films, with an ever-growing online directory of cast and crew who have ‘on set’ experience of both short and feature films. Monthly film meetings are held in Nelson and Blenheim; Nelson on the second Tuesday of every month and Blenheim on the third Monday of every month. For more information see:
http://www.topofthesouth.org/
NELSON / TASMAN
Boulder Writers
This group of writers based in the Nelson area is mainly focused on poetry, although fiction and non-fiction are also written. They meet on the fourth Saturday of the month to share and critique their work. Enquiries re membership vacancies can be made to Carol Ercolano at c.d.ercolano@gmail.com Tel: 03-545-0162
Life Sentence
‘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.
For more information contact Chris Stuart at chrisannstuart@gmail.com Tel: 027-777-2556,
Motueka Creative Writing Group
This group meets at 7.30 pm on the second Tuesday of each month in a member’s house, somewhere in the Motueka Tasman area. They choose a topic by consensus and the following month each member of the group contributes a short story of 500 – 800 words on that topic, which is read and critiqued. Occasionally they invite a guest author or publisher to speak or comment. At present they have 10 – 12 active members, and welcome other like-minded persons to come along and see if they like each other. Contact: Peter O’Halloran at petelafeet@gmail.com Tel: 03-540-2874, Maggie Brown at mzbrown@slingshot.co.nz Tel: 03-929-8150 or Alison Condon at cjacondon@value.net.nz Tel: 03-526-8500
Motueka Live Poets
Motueka Live Poets meet monthly on the third Wednesday at Motueka Yacht Club, Ward Street (off Wharf Road), Port Motueka. Come and share your poetry at an open mic session, or just come to enjoy the talent! Sign up on the night to recite, read or sing your poems to a friendly crowd. The evening starts at 7 pm. Gold coin koha entry. Follow the group on their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nelsonmotuekagoldenbaylivepoetssociety/
For details of the next meeting, contact Deirdre Lusby at dlusby@xtra.co.nz
Nelson Live Poets
We meet monthly, generally on the third Tuesday, at The Prince Albert, 113 Nile Street, Nelson. The programme starts at 7.00 pm, with live music from a local singer/ guitarist to put us in the mood; first open mic session; featured guest poet; second open mic session. Everyone is welcome to come along and perform poetry or music, or just to listen. Koha entry. Follow the group on the Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nelsonmotuekagoldenbaylivepoetssociety/
Contact: Deirdre Lusby at dlusby@xtra.co.nz
Richmond Writing Group
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 a guest speaker followed by discussion, with optional sharing of own writing and a creative writing activity in the second hour. Free entry, everyone welcome.
Contact: Pania Walton, Promotions Assistant, Richmond Library, at pania.walton@tasman.govt.nz
Romance Writers of NZ, Nelson Branch
New members always welcome. If you are not an RWNZ member already, you are welcome to attend a meeting before deciding to join. At our meetings we catch up with and encourage each other’s work, do some writing exercises, critiquing, listen to invited speakers or sometimes watch romantic films together. Tea/coffee & cake is always offered for a gold coin. Meet on the second Saturday of every month at 2 pm at the National Party Office, corner of Waimea & Quarantine Roads, Nelson.
Contact: Annika Ohlson-Smith at amos46@xtra.co.nz Tel: 03-548 5561
STEMWriters
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 Tuesdays of each month, 1 – 3 pm at the Elma Turner Library, Halifax Street, Nelson. Everyone is welcome.
Contact: Jackie Cook at taongajac@gmail.com
Tasman Writers
Tasman Writers meet monthly at a time and place in Motueka which is advised by email. Run under the umbrella of the Top of the South branch of NZ Society of Authors, the group 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. For details of the next meeting, please contact Trish at dunrban@xtra.co.nz or Lucy at tosnzsa15@gmail.com
Writers at Lunchtime
This informal group meets on the first Wednesday of the month (except January) in the Cafe at Founders Heritage Park, 87 Atawhai Drive, Nelson. Enter through the Windmill. Come any time between 11.30 am and 1.30 pm. There is usually a guest speaker at 12.30 pm, but the purpose of the group is primarily social and visitors are welcome. Gold coin donation. See here for details of the latest meeting.
Contact: Belinda at bmellor12@icloud.com or Sue at 021 061 6470.
This group of writers based in the Nelson area is mainly focused on poetry, although fiction and non-fiction are also written. They meet on the fourth Saturday of the month to share and critique their work. Enquiries re membership vacancies can be made to Carol Ercolano at c.d.ercolano@gmail.com Tel: 03-545-0162
Life Sentence
‘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.
For more information contact Chris Stuart at chrisannstuart@gmail.com Tel: 027-777-2556,
Motueka Creative Writing Group
This group meets at 7.30 pm on the second Tuesday of each month in a member’s house, somewhere in the Motueka Tasman area. They choose a topic by consensus and the following month each member of the group contributes a short story of 500 – 800 words on that topic, which is read and critiqued. Occasionally they invite a guest author or publisher to speak or comment. At present they have 10 – 12 active members, and welcome other like-minded persons to come along and see if they like each other. Contact: Peter O’Halloran at petelafeet@gmail.com Tel: 03-540-2874, Maggie Brown at mzbrown@slingshot.co.nz Tel: 03-929-8150 or Alison Condon at cjacondon@value.net.nz Tel: 03-526-8500
Motueka Live Poets
Motueka Live Poets meet monthly on the third Wednesday at Motueka Yacht Club, Ward Street (off Wharf Road), Port Motueka. Come and share your poetry at an open mic session, or just come to enjoy the talent! Sign up on the night to recite, read or sing your poems to a friendly crowd. The evening starts at 7 pm. Gold coin koha entry. Follow the group on their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nelsonmotuekagoldenbaylivepoetssociety/
For details of the next meeting, contact Deirdre Lusby at dlusby@xtra.co.nz
Nelson Live Poets
We meet monthly, generally on the third Tuesday, at The Prince Albert, 113 Nile Street, Nelson. The programme starts at 7.00 pm, with live music from a local singer/ guitarist to put us in the mood; first open mic session; featured guest poet; second open mic session. Everyone is welcome to come along and perform poetry or music, or just to listen. Koha entry. Follow the group on the Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nelsonmotuekagoldenbaylivepoetssociety/
Contact: Deirdre Lusby at dlusby@xtra.co.nz
Richmond Writing Group
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 a guest speaker followed by discussion, with optional sharing of own writing and a creative writing activity in the second hour. Free entry, everyone welcome.
Contact: Pania Walton, Promotions Assistant, Richmond Library, at pania.walton@tasman.govt.nz
Romance Writers of NZ, Nelson Branch
New members always welcome. If you are not an RWNZ member already, you are welcome to attend a meeting before deciding to join. At our meetings we catch up with and encourage each other’s work, do some writing exercises, critiquing, listen to invited speakers or sometimes watch romantic films together. Tea/coffee & cake is always offered for a gold coin. Meet on the second Saturday of every month at 2 pm at the National Party Office, corner of Waimea & Quarantine Roads, Nelson.
Contact: Annika Ohlson-Smith at amos46@xtra.co.nz Tel: 03-548 5561
STEMWriters
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 Tuesdays of each month, 1 – 3 pm at the Elma Turner Library, Halifax Street, Nelson. Everyone is welcome.
Contact: Jackie Cook at taongajac@gmail.com
Tasman Writers
Tasman Writers meet monthly at a time and place in Motueka which is advised by email. Run under the umbrella of the Top of the South branch of NZ Society of Authors, the group 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. For details of the next meeting, please contact Trish at dunrban@xtra.co.nz or Lucy at tosnzsa15@gmail.com
Writers at Lunchtime
This informal group meets on the first Wednesday of the month (except January) in the Cafe at Founders Heritage Park, 87 Atawhai Drive, Nelson. Enter through the Windmill. Come any time between 11.30 am and 1.30 pm. There is usually a guest speaker at 12.30 pm, but the purpose of the group is primarily social and visitors are welcome. Gold coin donation. See here for details of the latest meeting.
Contact: Belinda at bmellor12@icloud.com or Sue at 021 061 6470.
MARLBOROUGH
Picton Poets
This group meets on the fourth Wednesday of the month (not January) at 10.30 am at Picton Library. They share their own original poems in a friendly, constructive atmosphere. New members welcome.
Contact: Joyce Elwood-Smith at joyce.elwoodsmith@gmail.com Tel: 027-226 1276
Writers of Picton
Meet on the first Monday of the month (not January) from 1.30 - 3.30 pm. They meet in the upstairs room at Picton Library, and there is usually a writing challenge on a specified topic. Visitors and new members welcome. Contact: Irene & Peter Thomas at pandi.goodhope@gmail.com Tel: 03-573-5501.
This group meets on the fourth Wednesday of the month (not January) at 10.30 am at Picton Library. They share their own original poems in a friendly, constructive atmosphere. New members welcome.
Contact: Joyce Elwood-Smith at joyce.elwoodsmith@gmail.com Tel: 027-226 1276
Writers of Picton
Meet on the first Monday of the month (not January) from 1.30 - 3.30 pm. They meet in the upstairs room at Picton Library, and there is usually a writing challenge on a specified topic. Visitors and new members welcome. Contact: Irene & Peter Thomas at pandi.goodhope@gmail.com Tel: 03-573-5501.
WEST COAST
Mawhera Writers (Greymouth)
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. 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.
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. 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.
GOLDEN BAY
Golden Bay Live Poets' Society
Meetings are held in the famous Mussel Inn, Takaka, usually on the third Thursday night of each month at 8 pm. Local (and occasionally international) musicians/singer-songwriters feature in a slot before the open mic begins, and a guest poet often complements the open mic. Everyone is welcome. The entry is by koha. Check www.musselinn.co.nz for details. Join Facebook page for updates and line-up: https://www.facebook.com/nelsonmotuekagoldenbaylivepoetssociety/
Contact: Mark Raffills at mark@drycrust.com
Golden Bay Writers Group
The Golden Bay Writers Group meets monthly from 10 am to 12 pm, usually at Takaka Library, but venue and date can vary. We are an eclectic mix of writers who meet to connect, encourage each other and create interesting writing projects. We communicate through our Facebook group. For more information contact Jay Indik at jayindik@icloud.com or Charlotte Squire at charlottesquirecoms@gmail.com
Writers' Group of Golden Bay
Our focus is to review each other's work and to discuss issues arising. We usually meet monthly in members' homes.
Contact: Sue Clark (convenor) at suedesclark@gmail.com Tel: 03-524-8286
Meetings are held in the famous Mussel Inn, Takaka, usually on the third Thursday night of each month at 8 pm. Local (and occasionally international) musicians/singer-songwriters feature in a slot before the open mic begins, and a guest poet often complements the open mic. Everyone is welcome. The entry is by koha. Check www.musselinn.co.nz for details. Join Facebook page for updates and line-up: https://www.facebook.com/nelsonmotuekagoldenbaylivepoetssociety/
Contact: Mark Raffills at mark@drycrust.com
Golden Bay Writers Group
The Golden Bay Writers Group meets monthly from 10 am to 12 pm, usually at Takaka Library, but venue and date can vary. We are an eclectic mix of writers who meet to connect, encourage each other and create interesting writing projects. We communicate through our Facebook group. For more information contact Jay Indik at jayindik@icloud.com or Charlotte Squire at charlottesquirecoms@gmail.com
Writers' Group of Golden Bay
Our focus is to review each other's work and to discuss issues arising. We usually meet monthly in members' homes.
Contact: Sue Clark (convenor) at suedesclark@gmail.com Tel: 03-524-8286