Media Releases
26 March 2010 – New Chairman for Michael King Writers' Studio Trust
A prominent Auckland publisher, Sam Elworthy, has been chosen as the new chairman of the Michael King Writers’ Studio Trust.Dr Elworthy, who is director of the Auckland University Press, joined the trust in 2009 and was elected chairman at its annual meeting last week.
He replaces Bob Ross, who for many years led New Zealand publishing in firms like Tandem Press and Benton Ross. Mr. Ross stood down from the position after nearly four years. Mr Ross remains on the trust and continues to serve as deputy chairman.
Mr Ross said the Michael King Writers’ Centre had succeeded well beyond expectations over the past three years. A number of new people had joined the trust in 2009, bringing fresh energy and new ideas. It was a good time to have a change of leadership.
Dr Elworthy said he welcomed the opportunity to be at the helm of a trust which aimed to promote New Zealand literature and support New Zealand writers.
“The Michael King Writers’ Centre has been a dynamic force in New Zealand literature over the last few years. Under the leadership of Chair Bob Ross and Manager Karren Beanland, the trust has succeeded in establishing a series of residencies and writers’ workshops that have attracted the very best New Zealand writers. We hope to be able to continue that momentum.”
In 2010, the centre has been able to offer four paid residencies to writers, ranging from eight weeks to six months, thanks to support from Creative New Zealand. It also provides accommodation and working space to a growing number of visiting authors. Last year, the centre held its first residential workshop, which was about writing history and biography. The centre is also supported by the North Shore City Council and the Lion Foundation, with support from charitable organisations such as the ASB Community Trust and the Creative Communities Scheme on a project basis.
Sam Elworthy grew up on a farm in South Canterbury and went to university in Dunedin where he edited the student newspaper and wrote a book about student life. He spent fifteen years in the United States, completing a doctorate in history, before going into book publishing. He led the editorial team as Editor-in-Chief at Princeton University Press before returning to New Zealand in 2007.
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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