On this page you'll find helpful resources to improve your craft, suggestions on how to get your book in the City Library (and other public libraries), writer's groups and sessions you can join for support, and information about Versions, the Library's annual writing project.
Local Author Resources
Meet G.B Ralph, a great local author:
Write something for the Versions writing project
The City Library’s Versions writing project happens every year. If you are, or want to be, a published kaituhi (writer), this is for you.
Submissions open on the 23rd of March 2026, and the deadline is 30th of June 2026.
We’ll publish a physical book as well as an ebook in October.
This year we hope to record an audio version again, thanks to the good people at Manawatū People's Radio. Details to come.
Versions gives everyone the opportunity to see their work in print. Use the prompt to get started with writing a story, poem or play, or write a piece of music or create some visual art. The idea is to explore your creativity.
The 2026 prompt is “my shining sparkly worlds of colour”. Make of that what you will. You can use it extensively, or as a jumping off point, or go your own way completely.
How to format your submission:
- - As a Word .doc or .docx file
- - Name and contact details at the top of the manuscript.
- - Double spacing, with paragraphs indented and no extra space between paragraphs.
- - Italics as Italics and bold as bold.
See here for a good formal overview: https://www.shunn.net/format/classic/
When submitting, please include a brief biography of around 50 words. Please use the form below.
Just one submission per person, please. Versions continues to grow each year, so we need to make sure there's room for everyone.
Pieces generated by artificial intelligence will not be accepted. This project is all about stimulating your creativity.
If you have questions, email content@pncc.govt.nz.
Let your creative muse soar!
The Versions Tuawhitu submission form below is open from March 23, 2026 till June 30, 2026.
Versions Submissions
Author talks, workshops, and more!
Writers and Readers
We bring writers, scientists, economists, poets and academics together with audiences to explore ideas, share stories and experience brilliant conversations. We celebrate curiosity and a sense of adventure.
Our purpose is to encourage connection between writers and readers; to promote and support writers; to encourage a love of reading, literacy and an appreciation of literature in the community, for all ages and stages.
We aim to bring the community together through our shared love of words in all forms - written, spoken, and sung - with an emphasis on storytelling and world-changing ideas to excite, entertain, inspire and surprise.
Books about writing
Do you have a question that isn't answered on this page?
Please get in touch and we'll do our best to help!
Email content@pncc.govt.nz.
