Applications Open For Michael King Writers Centre 2027 Residencies

The Michael King Writers Centre has opened applications for its 2027 Writers in Residence Programme, a national residency programme supporting writers from across Aotearoa New Zealand to develop major writing projects.

The 2027 programme offers 17 residencies for emerging and established writers at the historic Signalman's House on Takarunga Mt Victoria in Devonport, Auckland. Residencies range from two to three weeks and provide accommodation, a dedicated writing studio, a stipend, and uninterrupted time to focus on a writing project. Up to four residencies will be awarded specifically for Māori or Pasifika writers.

Applications open on Thursday 6 August and close on Monday 31 August. The application form and more details can be found on the MKWC website: https://www.writerscentre.org.nz/how-to-apply

The residency programme supports New Zealand writers working across a wide range of genres, including fiction, non-fiction, children's and young adult literature, drama and poetry.

Ingrid Horrocks said of her residency, “the Michael King residency was a game-changer for me. With young children and a job back in 2021, two weeks was perfect. I had just begun writing short stories. The residency helped me believe it could be the book that eventually became All her Lives: Nine Stories. I ended up writing a Devonport story too, set in the 1980s, dreamed up from mornings spent in the Devonport library and wandering the hills. I loved the location and general set-up. The best residency. I also got the bonus as an alumnus of going to Varuna in the Blue Mountains in 2025. Very, very grateful. These residencies are so important to us as writers”.

About the Michael King Writers Centre residency programme

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The MKWC residency programme aims to support New Zealand writers and promote the development of New Zealand writing. Projects can be in a wide range of genres including non-fiction, fiction, children and young adult, drama and poetry.

Who can apply?

We support diversity and all writers from throughout Aotearoa New Zealand who are a New Zealand citizen or have New Zealand permanent residency are encouraged to apply. Up to four residencies will be awarded specifically for Māori or Pasifika writers.

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