Michael King Writers Centre

Thank you for your interest in our residencies.

Applications for the Michael King Writers Centre residency programme in 2026 have now closed.

We hope to announce the recipients of 2026 residencies in November 2025.

The Michael King Writers Centre provides a year-round programme of residencies at the historic Signalman’s Cottage on Takarunga Mt Victoria in Devonport, Auckland.

The residency programme aims to support New Zealand writers and promote the development of high-quality New Zealand writing. Applicants should be established, experienced, mid-career or emerging authors. A publishing record is required. Projects can be in a wide range of genres, including non-fiction, fiction, writing for children and young adults, drama and poetry.

The Michael King Writers Centre offers supported residencies with financial support from Creative New Zealand.  Recipients can look forward to peaceful accommodation, the use of a writing studio, a supporting stipend and the opportunity to focus on a specific writing project. Applicants must be a NZ citizen or have NZ Permanent Residence and be residing in Aotearoa. Writers from all over New Zealand, including those who live in Auckland, are welcome to apply.

Writers who do not qualify for the supported residency programme are able to apply to be a visiting writer to enjoy a residential retreat.