Our non-profit organisation was founded in September 1990 by Jean Drew and ten other enthusiastic writers in Auckland, New Zealand. Since then RWNZ has flourished and has now grown to over 260 members (both published and unpublished writers) from New Zealand, Australia, USA, UK and South Africa.

We run both short story and full length manuscript competitions each year. The Clendon Award, our annual contest for a full length romance manuscript, is gaining a wonderful reputation for identifying new and exciting authors. Silhouette authors Frances Housden, Bronwyn Jameson and Melissa James, as well as Harlequin Historical author Helen Kirkman are all previous Clendon finalists.

Romance Writers of New Zealand Inc. is dedicated to promoting excellence in romance writing and the romance genre, helping writers become published and establish careers by providing networking, support, information and resources.

Our membership includes some of Australasia's best-known authors of romantic fiction. New members are always welcome, click here to visit the Membership section.