In 2019, Deborah Shepard travelled to England to spend two days recording the oral history of writer Fleur Adcock. In the last episode Fleur talked about some of her life in New Zealand; this episode focuses more on her life in London, her permanent home now for nearly fifty years.NZ Society of Authors

Fleur Adcock lived between New Zealand and England for many years. Although Fleur settled in London as a full-time writer in the 1970's, she is still published here and we still regard her as 'one of our own'. Over two episodes we are going to drop into parts of Fleur’s oral history, collected in 2021 by Deborah Shepard - here's part one.…

Denys Trussell is well known for his environmental poetry and advocacy, yet there is much more to learn about him.In this episode we drop into his 2021 discussion with Kelly Ana Morey where they talk about his turn towards writing, and why he spends so much of his time fighting for what he believes in.…

Graeme Lay is the author of more than forty books of fiction and non-fiction, and many many shorter works. He was good friends with most Auckland writers of his generation. Graeme spoke with Kelly Ana Morey in 2021, and they start by talking about the first works of short fiction he had published as a young writer.…

This podcast was recorded at the Janet Frame Memorial Lecture, given by the NZSA President of Honour 2022-2023, Witi Ihimaera-Smiler in November 2023. The prestigious position of NZSA President of Honour, is bestowed on a senior writer and long-serving member in recognition of their contribution to writing and writers and the literary arts sector i…

In 2016, Marilyn Duckworth won the Prime Minister’s Award for Literary Achievement in Fiction. The award came more than 50 years after she had won the New Zealand Literary Fund Award for Achievement in 1963. Marilyn talks to Deborah Shepard in this episode about her career as an author over those 50 years.…

Witi Ihimaera has become one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most recognised and decorated writers over his 50+ years as an author. The first episode of this season covered some of those highlights; this episode we again join Witi talking to Deborah Shepard about his life as a writer.NZ Society of Authors

The New Zealand Society of Authors Oral History Podcast is back with our fifth season! We start with two episodes featuring Witi Ihimaera. In this first episode we begin with Witi talking to Deborah Shepard about the writing scene he launched into in 1970's New Zealand. New episodes every 3 weeks.NZ Society of Authors

It’s been a while since our last New Zealand Society of Authors Oral History podcast episode, so we thought you’d enjoy being introduced to 'The Author’s Tale'. This great podcast is presented and produced by NZSA member, Stephanie Frewen, and features casual conversations with prominent and influential New Zealand authors.…

This podcast was recorded at the Janet Frame Memorial Lecture, given by the NZSA President of Honour 2021-2022, Tessa Duder in May 2022. The prestigious position of NZSA President of Honour, is bestowed on a senior writer and long-serving member in recognition of their contribution to writing and writers and the literary arts sector in Aotearoa. Te…

In the last of our New Zealand Society of Authors Summer Encore episodes, novelist Gigi Fenster introduces you to her favourite episode: the workshop 'Writing Process for Essay and Memoir Writers' with Lynn Jenner given at the 2018 National Writers Forum.Learn more about Gigi's books at: https://gigi-fenster.com/AboutMore about Lynn Jenner at: http…

In the New Zealand Society of Authors Summer Encore Series, well known NZSA authors introduce you to some of their favourite episodes from the NZSA podcast.This week, James Russell, author of the Dragon Brothers Trilogy and Dragon Defenders series, introduces you to his favourite episode: Philip Temple's oral history conversation with Deborah Shepa…

In the New Zealand Society of Authors Summer Encore Series, well known NZSA authors introduce you to some of their favourite episodes from the NZSA podcast.This week, Graci Kim, author of the instant US bestseller, 'The Last Fallen Star' (A Gifted Clans Novel 1), introduces you to her favourite episode: the panel discussion ‘Making it in the intern…

Welcome to the New Zealand Society of Authors Summer Encore Series, where we’ve asked well known NZSA authors to introduce you to some of their favourite episodes from the NZSA podcast so far. This week, Rosetta Allan, author of the recently released ‘Crazy Love’ along with several other novels and poetry collections, introduces you to her favourit…

The New Zealand Society of Authors Summer Encore Series is a podcast series where well known NZSA authors introduce you to some of their favourite episodes from the NZSA podcast so far. This week, Whiti Hereaka, author of the newly released ‘Kurangaituku’ and successful playwright, novelist, screenwriter, introduces you to her favourite episode: th…

Introducing the NZSA Summer Encore Series, where we’ve asked well known NZSA authors to introduce you to some of their favourite episodes from the NZSA podcast so far. This week, Mary-anne Scott, author of the newly released ‘The Tomo’, along with ‘Spearo’, ‘Sticking with Pigs’, and several other books for young people, introduces you to her favour…

Margaret Mahy is New Zealand’s most celebrated children’s writer. She wrote over 100 books, published in 15 different languages, and continues to be read around the world. In May 2000, Alison Gray interviewed Margaret for the New Zealand Society of Authors Oral History Project.NZ Society of Authors

As a poet, essayist, biographer and editor, Brian Turner has become one of New Zealand's most significant writers on landscape, the environment and sport. In this episode, Brian and Naomi Arnold have a wide-ranging discussion about Brian's writing, environmental activism, sports connections and work in publishing.…

Season 4 of the NZSA Oral History podcast continues in a second episode with Barbara Else, from her 2020 oral history interview with Naomi Arnold. In this episode you can hear Barbara and Naomi discuss NZSA, copyright, author incomes, and much more about not just writing books, but also the business of books.…

Dunedin-based Barbara Else is a successful New Zealand author who has also run one of Aotearoa’s oldest literary agencies, TFS. She has held fellowships and scholarships throughout her career, was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit, and was awarded the Margaret Mahy Medal, both in recognition of her services to literature. In part 1 of…

Philip Temple is an award-winning author of ten novels and more than thirty non-fiction books for both adults and children. He has held many of our top residencies, was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for Services to Literature, and been the recipient of a Prime Minister’s Award for Literary Achievement. He has also been a campaig…

This episode is part 2 of Naomi Arnold's 2020 oral history interview with Kyle Mewburn. Naomi and Kyle talk about the issues authors face, both on and off the page, and Kyle's time as NZSA president: "I was known for being flippant, because I am flippant, how very observant of these people to notice!". An open look at the life of a NZ writer and au…

Kyle Mewburn is one of New Zealand's most prolific and eclectic writers. Kyle became a full-time writer in 1997 and was President of NZSA for four years, she is dedicated to the welfare of writers across Aotearoa. Kyle talked with Naomi Arnold in 2020, and begins season 4 of the NZSA Oral History Podcast.…

Season 4 of the NZSA Oral History Podcast is coming soon!NZ Society of Authors

This podcast was recorded at the 2020 Janet Frame Memorial Lecture, given by the NZSA President of Honour 2020-2021, Paula Morris. The prestigious position of NZSA President of Honour is bestowed on a senior writer and long-serving member in recognition of their contribution to writing and writers and the literary arts sector in Aotearoa. Paula Mor…

Owen Marshall is a celebrated New Zealand writer. Often referred to as one of this country's best short-story writers, Owen is also a novelist and poet. He has been awarded many of the top literary fellowships and honours available to New Zealand writers and was the New Zealand Society of Authors President of Honour in 2007-2008. Owen spoke with De…

In our last episode, author Chris Else talked to Deborah Shepard about his many years of active service for the New Zealand Society of Authors. During those years Chris was also writing and working as a literary agent. His writing life is the focus of this episode.NZ Society of Authors

Chris Else is a New Zealand author and literary agent. Along with his own writing, and promoting the writing of others, Chris has dedicated much of his life to advocacy work on behalf of New Zealand authors. In the first of two podcasts with Chris, he talks to Deborah Shepard about his long involvement with NZSA.…

New Zealand Society of Authors Te Puni Kaituhi O Aotearoa (PEN NZ Inc) brings you this special edition of NZSA Live! featuring content from the 2018 National Writers Forum. This episode features a discussion on writing sex and romance with Catherine Robertson, Lani Wendt Young and Steff Green.Like the music? Buy the track from NZ pianist Justin Bir…

New Zealand Society of Authors Te Puni Kaituhi O Aotearoa (PEN NZ Inc) brings you this special edition of NZSA Live! featuring content from the 2018 National Writers Forum. This episode features a discussion on making it in the international market with Paula Morris, David Ling and Tracy Farr.Like the music? Buy the track from NZ pianist Justin Bir…

Dame Joy Cowley is one of New Zealand’s most loved and recognised authors, having published over six hundred titles for children and adults. In her own quiet way Joy has been a longtime NZSA member, and a supporter of authors in Aotearoa. This discussion with Deborah Shepard is a must for anyone interested in children's writing and reading.…

New Zealand Society of Authors Te Puni Kaituhi O Aotearoa (PEN NZ Inc) brings you this special edition of NZSA Live! featuring content from the 2018 National Writers Forum. This episode features a discussion on writing books in a series with Mandy Hager, Kyle Mewburn, Vanda Symon and Anna Mackenzie.Like the music? Buy the track from NZ pianist Just…

New Zealand Society of Authors Te Puni Kaituhi O Aotearoa (PEN NZ Inc) brings you this special edition of NZSA Live! featuring content from the 2018 National Writers Forum. This episode features a discussion on books, reading and writing in a digital age with Rhonda Kite, Edwin McRae and Pip Adams.Like the music? Buy the track from NZ pianist Justi…

New Zealand Society of Authors Te Puni Kaituhi O Aotearoa (PEN NZ Inc) brings you this special edition of NZSA Live! featuring content from the 2018 National Writers Forum. This episode features a panel discussion on YA writing with Mandy Hager, Lani Wendt Young, and Anna Mackenzie.Like the music? Buy the track from NZ pianist Justin Bird: https://…

New Zealand Society of Authors Te Puni Kaituhi O Aotearoa (PEN NZ Inc) brings you this special edition of NZSA Live! featuring content from the 2018 National Writers Forum. This episode features Dr Anita Heiss in discussion with Paula Morris about carving a path in a fairly monocultural literary landscape and nurturing indigenous literature.Like th…

New Zealand Society of Authors Te Puni Kaituhi O Aotearoa (PEN NZ Inc) brings you this special edition of NZSA Live! featuring content from the 2018 National Writers Forum. This episode features a discussion on book translation with Anahera Gildea, Vana Manasiadis and Herewini Easton.Like the music? Buy the track from NZ pianist Justin Bird: https:…

New Zealand Society of Authors Te Puni Kaituhi O Aotearoa (PEN NZ Inc)brings you this special edition of NZSA Live! featuring content from the 2018 National Writers Forum. This episode features a how-to workshop on self-publishing with Lani Wendt Young.Like the music? Buy the track from NZ pianist Justin Bird: https://justinbird.bandcamp.com/track/…

New Zealand Society of Authors Te Puni Kaituhi O Aotearoa (PEN NZ Inc)brings you this special edition of NZSA Live! featuring content from the 2018 National Writers Forum. This episode features a workshop with Penny Hartill about book publicity.Like the music? Buy the track from NZ pianist Justin Bird: https://justinbird.bandcamp.com/track/bourree-…

New Zealand Society of Authors Te Puni Kaituhi O Aotearoa (PEN NZ Inc)brings you this special edition of NZSA Live! featuring content from the 2018 National Writers Forum. This episode features a panel discussion on the business side of writing. The panel included Catherine Robertson, Tracy Farr, Vicki Marsdon and Ranjana Gupta.Like the music? Buy …

New Zealand Society of Authors Te Puni Kaituhi O Aotearoa (PEN NZ Inc)brings you this special edition of NZSA Live! featuring content from the 2018 National Writers Forum. This episode features a panel discussion on adaptations: books into TV and other mediums. The panel included Rhonda Kite, Martin Baynton, Charlotte Grimshaw and was chaired by Sa…

New Zealand Society of Authors Te Puni Kaituhi O Aotearoa (PEN NZ Inc)brings you this special edition of NZSA Live! featuring content from the 2018 National Writers Forum. This episode features a workshop on Writing Process for Essay and Memoir Writers with Lynn Jenner.Like the music? Buy the track from NZ pianist Justin Bird: https://justinbird.ba…

New Zealand Society of Authors Te Puni Kaituhi O Aotearoa (PEN NZ Inc)brings you this special edition of NZSA Live! featuring content from the 2018 National Writers Forum. This episode features Brannavan Gnanalingam's workshop on Creating 3D Characters.Like the music? Buy the track from NZ pianist Justin Bird:https://justinbird.bandcamp.com/track/b…

New Zealand Society of Authors Te Puni Kaituhi O Aotearoa (PEN NZ Inc)brings you this special edition of NZSA Live! featuring content from the 2018 National Writers Forum. This episode features a keynote address from author Dr Anita Heiss.Like the music? Buy the track from NZ pianist Justin Bird:https://justinbird.bandcamp.com/track/bourree-fantasq…

New Zealand Society of Authors Te Puni Kaituhi O Aotearoa (PEN NZ Inc)brings you this special edition of NZSA Live! with content from the 2018 National Writers Forum. This episode features a keynote address by author Lani Wendt Young.Like the music? Buy the track from NZ pianist Justin Bird:https://justinbird.bandcamp.com/track/bourree-fantasque-em…

David Hill has been a full time writer now for over thirty years. However, like many writers he began writing on-the-side while working as a secondary school teacher. Hear how he built and sustained a career in this episode of the NZSA Oral History Podcast.NZ Society of Authors

NZ Society of Authors

NZ Society of Authors

Welcome to NZSA Live! where we share audio recorded at a variety of New Zealand Society of Authors events. Today’s podcast was recorded at the 2019 Janet Frame Memorial Address given by NZSA President of Honour 2019 - 2020, David Hill.NZ Society of Authors

Dennis McEldowney believed a diary was a better keeper of history than memory. In this final episode for Season 2 he reads from his diary and discusses with Michael King what the diary revealed.NZ Society of Authors

In the late 1950's Ray Grover was part of a small circle of Wellington writers that included Maurice Gee, Fleur Adcock and James K. Baxter. Shortly after publishing his first novel, 'Another Man’s Role' in 1967, Ray joined PEN NZ and quickly became involved in the executive. By 1974 he was President. Years later in February 2000 Ray sat down with A…