Michael King Writers Centre

APPLICATION: Writers Residencies 2026

The Michael King Writers Centre is offering sixteen supported residencies in 2026, with financial support from Creative New Zealand. Recipients can look forward to peaceful accommodation, the use of a writing studio, a generous stipend and the opportunity to focus on a specific writing project. Applicants must be a New Zealand citizen or have New Zealand permanent residency and need to be residing in Aotearoa NZ.

Applications close on Monday 1 September 2025

Our aim in allocating the residencies is to ensure a mix of established and emerging writers, to support the development of a vibrant and healthy literary community in Aotearoa.

Four residencies will be awarded to Māori and Pasifika writers. Dates will be allocated based on applicants date preferences.

We actively seek and encourage all writers—diverse in age, gender identity, race, sexual orientation, physical or mental ability, ethnicity, and perspective—to apply.

All applicants must read and understand the Application Criteria (PDF below). We encourage you to print or download this PDF so you can refer to it easily whilst completing the application form.

Click here to download Application Criteria, Terms & Conditions

Click here to download Residency Recipient Conditions

Before starting the application (below) please ensure you have all supporting documentation:

• A writing CV and publishing record.
• Detailed synopsis of the project you intend to work on during the residency. Maximum 250 words
• A sample of your work for this project (up to 500 words). NOTE: a document exceeding the word limit or for a different project will not be considered.