2019 Writers in Residence

As Aotearoa’s National Writers Centre, we are particularly delighted that in 2019 we have hosted more writers at the house than ever before. Twenty-one opportunities were offered to a diverse mix of emerging and established writers: historians, memoirists, essay writers, fiction writers, poets and dramatists.

From a history of the Listener to a series of inter-linked short stories exploring the Māori diaspora, the participants in the 2019 MKWC residency programme covered an exciting, varied and eclectic range of topics.

New in the 2019 programme was the splitting of the University of Auckland/MKWC Residency into four residencies throughout the year, in order to attract a wider range of established writers. In 2019 we welcomed playwright Gary Henderson, novelist Emma Neale, creative non-fiction writer Jo Randerson, and historian Joanne Drayton.

Other established writers to receive residencies include; Diane Brown, Ivy Alvarez, Dominic Hoey, Philippa Werry, Gigi Fenster, Kirsten McDougall, Murray Edmond and Fiona Samuels.

Of the many interesting and exciting projects these writers worked on, Philippa Werry focused on a non-fiction children’s book about the New Zealand women’s suffrage movement. Joanne Drayton’s project took a look at New Zealand history through the lens of the Listener – both the story of a publication, and the celebration of a maturing nation, from 1939 to the present day.

The Pasifika residencies were held by Makereta Brown and Mariana Isara, who each spent two weeks at the centre.

The recipients of the Māori writers’ residencies were Colleen Maria Lenihan and Jade Kake.

Other emerging writers to receive residencies include: Rachel O’Neill, Yvette Walker, Steven Touissant, Meagan France,  and Rijula Das.

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