2026 Writers in Residence

The Michael King Writers Centre is pleased to have 18 New Zealand writers awarded residencies for its 2026 residency programme.

The residency programme aims to support New Zealand writers and promote the development of high-quality New Zealand writing.

Over 150 writers from across New Zealand applied for residencies at the historic Signalman’s House in Devonport, Auckland, seeking time, support, and inspiration to work on projects in a wide range of genres including non-fiction, fiction, writing for children and young adults, drama and poetry.

The Centre’s commitment to honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi and celebrating diverse voices continues to guide its residency selection process, which is overseen by an experienced and independent panel.

Melanee Winder, selection panellist and Chair of MKWC Trust said the panel was delighted by the continued growth in interest for its residency programme.

“Reading and assessing this year’s applications was an enormous privilege for the selection panel,” adds Mel. “We were energised and impressed by the quality of writing across a wide variety of projects, and we are privileged to support writers to focus on their projects in the peaceful surroundings of the Centre.”

Emma Neale, one of the 2025 recipients said of her residency, “I am enormously grateful for the way my time at the centre encouraged and catalysed my new project.  I’m determined to keep up the momentum that my time at the MKWC gave me and write every morning before work, to try to honour the valuable gift of the focus I found there. The centre should be treasured by all Aotearoa writers and lovers of literature. We are so lucky to have it on our cultural landscape”

The writers awarded a 2026 Michael King Writers Centre residency are:

Anne Kayes, Cassie Hart, Cello Forrester, Chris Tse, Claire Baylis, Connie Buchanan, Emma Hislop, Gina Butson, Jordan Hamel, Josie Shapiro, Kirsten McDougall, Kirsty Powell, Liv Sisson, Rebecca Hawkes, Sarah Ell, Sue Wootton, Trina Elkington-Ball, and Vincent O’Malley.

All residencies are made possible with thanks to support from Creative New Zealand, and Auckland Council.

The Michael King Writers Centre thanks all applicants and wishes our residency recipients the very best of luck with their work.