Our Programme

Each year the Michael King Writers Centre offers around 18 supported residencies to New Zealand writers working on a nominated project. Each residency runs for two to three weeks including accommodation at the house in Devonport, use of the writer’s studio, and a stipend.

A front yard garden with colorful flowers in bloom, a green house with large windows, and a large tree with a textured trunk and branches with green leaves, under a clear blue sky.

Applications for 2027 Residencies open early August

The House

The house sits on the road to the tihi (summit) of Takarunga Mt Victoria, surrounded by reserve and a short walk from Devonport village and the ferry to the city. There’s off-street parking, and the house has access and facilities for people with disabilities — if you have specific needs, let the manager know when you apply.

  • Residencies are open to writers working on a fiction (including children’s and YA), drama, poetry or non-fiction project.


    To apply, you must:

    • Have New Zealand citizenship or permanent residency.

    • Be currently residing in Aotearoa / NZ.

    • Be available to stay at the centre for most of your residency, even if you live in Auckland.

    • Not be applying for a project that forms part of academic work for a university that employs you.

    • Ensure that at least two years have elapsed, if you have previously held a residency at MKWC.

  • Applications will open mid August, with details published on this website.

    Join our mailing list to be the first to know when the next round opens.

  • More than 190 New Zealand writers have held a residency at the centre since 2005, and we welcomed our first international resident in 2013.

    View our alumni

  • We also have a second room available to visiting writers on a paying basis.

    Learn more

A house with pale green siding and red window trim, surrounded by a lush garden filled with colorful flowers and greenery, with trees in the background under a clear blue sky.