How to Apply

Applications for 2027 opening August 2026.

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The Michael King Writers Centre is offering seventeen supported residencies in 2027, with financial support from Creative New Zealand. Recipients receive accommodation, use of a writing studio, a stipend, and the chance to focus on a specific project.

To apply, you must be a New Zealand citizen or hold New Zealand permanent residency, and be residing in Aotearoa.

Applications close on Monday 31 August 2026

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.

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  • We aim for a mix of established and emerging writers, to support a vibrant and healthy literary community in Aotearoa. Two residencies are awarded to Māori writers and two to Pasifika writers. Dates are allocated based on each applicant’s preferences — you can apply for more than one residency and rank the dates that suit you. We actively encourage writers of all ages, gender identities, races, sexual orientations, abilities and perspectives to apply.

  • Have these ready before you begin the application:

    • A writing CV and publishing record.

    • A project synopsis (up to 250 words).

    • A statement outlining how a residency will aid the development of your project (up to 100 words).

    • A work sample for this project (up to 500 words) — samples over the limit, or for a different project, won’t be considered.

      Please read the full criteria before applying:

      Application Criteria, Terms & Conditions
      Residency Recipient Conditions