Media Releases
17 March 2010 – Whale traditions explored
Waitakere writer Bradford Haami has been selected for the first ever Maori writer’s residency at the Michael King Writers’ Centre in Devonport.Bradford Haami has written extensively about Maori history and culture, as well as being a documentary and drama writer, a director and producer, and a researcher at Te Papa in Wellington. He has been a university lecturer in Maori studies and drama.
His latest project, with the working title IKA-MOANA: Whale Traditions of the Maori, will explore the special place whales have in Maori culture from pre- and post-colonial eras, right up to the present day. He has been working on the book for a number of years.
Mr Haami has affiliations with Ngati Awa, Ngati Kahungunu, Kai Tahu and Tuwharetoa.
The residency, which will start on May 14, is for eight weeks. He will receive a stipend of $8,000, together with free accommodation and working space at the Michael King Writers’ Centre in Devonport.
The residency has been made possible because of the support of Te Waka Toi, the Maori Arts Board of Creative New Zealand. It is the first time the centre has been able to offer a residency especially for a Maori author.
The centre aims to support New Zealand writers and promote New Zealand literature by providing opportunities for authors to work full-time on a major project. In 2010, the centre has been able to offer supported residencies to four writers altogether.
Michael King Writers’ Centre chairman, Bob Ross, said he was delighted the centre was able to offer a residency for a Maori writer for the first time.
“As part of our commitment to honour the memory of Michael King, supporting Maori writers and celebrating Maori writing are important strands of our activities. All of our residency opportunities are open to Maori writers. However, we believe that a special residency dedicated for a Maori writer will be a positive development for Maori literature.”
For further information, contact Karren Beanland, Manager: Ph/fax: 445 8451
Mob: 021 496 488 or administrator@writerscentre.org.nz
More Releases
19 August 2010 – Residency programme for 2011 announced
20 July 2010 – A Million Poems at the Library - National Poetry Day, 30 July 2010
20 June 2010 – Residential Workshop, October 2010
14 June 2010 – Matariki sparks an innovative community poetry project
14 June 2010 – A Million Poems for Matariki: Devonport
14 June 2010 – A Million Poems for Matariki: Otahuhu
14 June 2010 – A Million Poems for Matariki: The University of Auckland
09 June 2010 – Michael King Writers' Centre Residential Workshop 2010
07 April 2010 – The University of Auckland/Creative New Zealand Writer-in-Residence 2010
26 March 2010 – New Chairman for Michael King Writers' Studio Trust
17 March 2010 – Whale traditions explored
2009
11 December 2009 – First Maori writer's residency announced: calling for applications for 2010
10 December 2009 – Calling for applications for six-month residency in 2010
28 October 2009 – Top writers selected for residencies
29 September 2009 – Heritage Week events
18 August 2009 – Applications are now open for two short residencies in early 2010
18 August 2009 – Call for applications for two short residencies in 2010
18 August 2009 – Short residencies 2010 - How to Apply
25 June 2009 – New writer-in-residence selected
18 June 2009 – Hometown celebration for Poet Laureate
10 June 2009 – A Million Poems for Matariki
03 June 2009 – Jam Radio features Michael King Writers' Centre authors
19 May 2009 – Residency opportunity confirmed for 2009
06 May 2009 – New residency opportunity coming up in 2009
06 March 2009 – Hill Standing Above - speech by Bob Ross at launch of history booklet
06 March 2009 – Hill Standing Above - history booklet launched
06 January 2009 – Two Writers-in-Residence Selected