Writers Without Borders: A Global Guild Gathering

To mark its 50th anniversary, the New Zealand Writers Guild (NZWG) brings together leading representatives from screenwriting guilds around the world for an afternoon and evening of conversation, connection and ideas in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. Held at QT Auckland on Wednesday 7 October, Writers Without Borders: A Global Guild Gathering features two panel discussions exploring the power of writers, the battles that have shaped the profession and the role storytelling can play in a rapidly changing world. 2pm - 4pm: Top 10 Writers’ Fights: Lessons in Building Power NZWG Executive Director Alice Shearman is joined by Ellen Stutzman of the Writers Guild of America West, Victoria Shen of the Writers Guild of Canada and Claire Pullen of the Australian Writers’ Guild. Together they will look back at some of the landmark industrial and rights battles fought by writers internationally, examining how collective power has been built and what those hard-won lessons could mean for writers in Aotearoa. 4pm - 6pm: ACSAA Drinks & Nibbles Between the two panels, attendees can enjoy drinks and nibbles hosted by the Authorship Collecting Society Australia Aotearoa (ACSAA) and the Australian Writers’ Guild. The informal gathering offers an opportunity to meet and mingle with visiting writers and international guild representatives. 6pm - 8pm: Can Stories Save Us? Storytelling in a Changing World Writer and screenwriter Kathryn Burnett leads an international conversation about the cultural importance of storytelling and the role writers may play in the years ahead. Joining her are Peter Mattessi of the Australian Writers’ Guild, Michele Mulroney of the Writers Guild of America West, Bruce Smith of the Writers Guild of Canada, Jennifer Davidson of the Writers Guild of Ireland and Tom Fontana of the Writers Guild of America East. Attendees can book either panel individually or stay for the full afternoon and evening. Drinks and nibbles are included with all ticket options. Tickets Panel 1 + Drinks & Nibbles: $10 NZWG members / $15 general admission Panel 2 + Drinks & Nibbles: $10 NZWG members / $15 general admission Both Panels + Drinks & Nibbles: $20 NZWG members / $30 general admission Members of Ngā Aho Whakaari, PISA, PASC and Proud Voices on Screen are also eligible for NZWG member ticket prices. Wednesday 7 October 2026, 1.30pm 8pm QT Auckland – Limáni 1 & 2 4 Viaduct Harbour Avenue, Auckland The event is presented as part of NZWG’s 50th anniversary celebrations, with support from the Authorship Collecting Society Australia Aotearoa (ACSAA), Australian Writers’ Guild (AWG) and International Affiliation of Writers Guilds (IAWG).