The Michael King Writers Centre is pleased to announce the 18 New Zealand writers awarded residencies for its 2026 residency programme.

The residency programme aims to support New Zealand writers and promote the development of high-quality New Zealand writing.

Over 150 writers from across New Zealand applied for residencies at the historic Signalman's House in Devonport, Auckland, seeking time, support, and inspiration to work on projects in a wide range of genres including non-fiction, fiction, writing for children and young adults, drama and poetry.

The Centre’s commitment to honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi and celebrating diverse voices continues to guide its residency selection process, which is overseen by an experienced and independent panel.

Melanee Winder, selection panellist and Chair of MKWC Trust said the panel was delighted by the continued growth in interest for its residency programme.

“Reading and assessing this year’s applications was an enormous privilege for the selection panel,” adds Mel. “We were energised and impressed by the quality of writing across a wide variety of projects, and we are privileged to support writers to focus on their projects in the peaceful surroundings of the Centre.”

Emma Neale, one of the 2025 recipients said of her residency, “I am enormously grateful for the way my time at the centre encouraged and catalysed my new project. I’m determined to keep up the momentum that my time at the MKWC gave me and write every morning before work, to try to honour the valuable gift of the focus I found there. The centre should be treasured by all Aotearoa writers and lovers of literature. We are so lucky to have it on our cultural landscape”

All residencies are made possible with thanks to support from Creative New Zealand, and Auckland Council.

Michael King Writers Centre Award 2026 residencies are:

Claire Baylis
Connie Buchanan
Gina Butson
Sarah Ell
Trina Elkington-Ball
Cello Forrester
Jordan Hamel
Cassie Hart
Rebecca Hawkes
Emma Hislop
Anne Kayes
Kirsten McDougall
Vincent O’Malley
Kirsty Powell
Josie Shapiro
Liv Sisson
Chris Tse
Sue Wootton