NZ Society of Authors Newsletter Friday 10/5/13 Issue 12 Volume XII

“Generations of kiwi kids have grown up reading stories by Margaret Mahy and others, in the School Journal.
“Learning Media is an institutional home for some of the world’s best talent in the production of educational
resources which our public education system has relied on for decades.
“Till September last year Learning Media had a preferred provider arrangement with the Education Ministry,
which meant it was able to concentrate on providing world leading resources for the education sector here
and overseas.
“But since September, the Government has forced learning Media to compete to produce almost all its work,
requiring it to introduce a whole new expensive layer to its business, that has directed time, energy and
resources into pitching for contracts.
“That Learning Media is struggling in this environment is not an indication that other organisations do better
work, as Finance Minister Bill English implied on National Radio this morning. What it shows is that forcing an
educational asset like Learning Media to waste resources on contract competition is false economy for our
children’s learning and is putting that learning at risk,” Ms Delahunty said.
The New Zealand Society of Authors has been in touch with the Ministry of Education regarding this matter
over the past few months. For a full update contact Maggie director@nzauthors.org.nz
Call for Entries: The Aesthetica Creative Writing Competition
The Aesthetica Creative Writing is now open for entry, offering both existing and
aspiring writers the chance to showcase their work to a wider, international audience.
Now in its sixth year, the competition celebrates creative writing and nurtures talent,
inviting writers to submit imaginative work that pushes the boundaries of the two
categories for entry: Poetry and Fiction. Submissions previously published elsewhere
are accepted, and the deadline is 31 August 2013.
The selection of fantastic prizes includes:
· £500 prize money – Poetry winner
· £500 prize money – Short Fiction winner
· Publication in the Aesthetica Creative Writing Annual
· Complimentary copy of the Aesthetica Creative Writing Annual
· A selection of books from competition partners
For more information please visit: www.aestheticamagazine.com/creativewriting
NZSA Presidential Elections 2013 - Only one week left to vote!
There is only one week left to vote!!
2013 is election year. And I am delighted to announce that we have received three nominations for the
position of President for the period 2013-2015. How amazing is that? I have no record of when this last
happened within the Society but I am sure it must have happened before at some point but certainly not in my
time here.
I have asked each nominee to prepare a pitch which was to address the following questions:
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The literary sector is undergoing its biggest reformation since the invention of the printing press. This
is changing the way books are published and therefore the role of writers. What role do you think NZSA
should play in this changing environment?
In these challenging financial times, members are questioning value for money when joining the
NZSA. What do you perceive members want from their membership that they are not currently getting
and what future ideas and initiatives do you have for improving services to members in the current
environment?
The NZSA is facing challenging times in relation to funding and resources. What strategies would you
employ to ensure the longevity and fiscal security of the organisation?The NZSA is undergoing a
strategic and governance review in 2013. What are the key issues that you feel should be addressed
in this review?
I encourage each and every one of you to exercise your democratic right and vote for your preferred candidate.
Please note that you must provide your membership number -your vote will be kept confidential but your