Varuna International Exchange New Zealand
Open to Varuna alumni who have published new work between 2022 - 2026, this fellowship runs 4 - 27 September 2026 and includes three weeks’ accommodation at Michael King Writers Centre and an appearance at WORD Christchurch Festival, as well as return airfares.
Applications open: 3 April 2026
Applications close: 5pm AEST 27 April 2026
Residency dates: 4-6 September 2026 at WORD Christchurch Festival, 7-27 September 2026 at Michael King Writers Centre in Auckland
Places: One Australian writer is selected to travel to Michael King Writers Centre, with one New Zealand writer traveling to Varuna
Who should apply: Varuna alumni who have published new work between 2022 - 2026.
Publication refers to refers to a full-length book or collection (any genre), inclusion in an anthology, children’s books / YA, and graphic novels. It does not include journals, magazines, or publication online only. Plays and screenplays will be considered if the work has a specific connection to New Zealand.
ABOUT THIS FELLOWSHIP
The Varuna International Exchange Program in New Zealand is a three-week residency at Michael King Writers Centre in Auckland, with a Festival appearance at WORD Christchurch.
Open to Varuna alumni who have published new work between 2022 - 2026*, the fellowship includes:
airfares between Australia and New Zealand, and between Christchurch and Auckland
three weeks’ accommodation at Michael King Writers Centre from 7-27 September 2026 (including an allowance for food expenses)
accommodation and per diems during your festival appearance at WORD Christchurch 4-6 September 2026, as well as appearance fees for programmed sessions
Assessors are looking for authors with exciting work in progress that would benefit from a residency in New Zealand. Selection criteria for this program include:
recency and critical reception of your published work to date
how you may benefit from this residency
artistic merit of your work sample
relevance of your work to the WORD Christchurch program
ACCESSIBILITY: Please note that the Michael King Writers Centre is located on a hill, about 10 minutes walk from the local shops. There is road access to the Centre for cars and taxis with the option of being picked up on arrival depending on circumstances. The Centre is wheelchair accessible with fully accessible showers, but may be challenging to some, in terms of access, due to its steep location.
*Work published between 2022 - 2026 refers to a full-length book or collection (any genre), inclusion in an anthology, children’s books / YA, and graphic novels. Publications in academic journals or magazines are not eligible for this fellowship. Plays and screenplays will be considered if the work has a specific connection to New Zealand.
ABOUT MICHAEL KING WRITERS CENTRE
The Michael King Writers Centre is based in the historic Signalman’s House on Auckland’s North Shore. There are two writers in the centre at any one time, each with their own room which includes a writing space and ensuite bathroom. Nestled halfway up Takarunga Maunga (Mt Victoria), the centre enjoys panoramic views over the Waitemata Harbour.
ABOUT WORD CHRISTCHURCH
WORD Christchurch delivers high-quality festivals and events, bringing communities together through a love of words whether they read, listen, or experience them on screen or stage. Over 5 days in Christchurch, WORD typically programs over 70 events, with over 100 writers, artists, and thinkers. These events cover ground-breaking ideas, Ngāi Tahu stories, and opportunities for local writers and artists to create new work.
HOW TO APPLY
Applications close 5pm AEST 27 April 2026
This international exchange is open to Varuna alumni who have published new work between 2022 and 2026. If you are unsure whether your alumni membership is up to date, please get in touch.
You will need to send us a writing sample of up to 2,000 words, or a selection of up to 4 poems, as a PDF or a Word document. This work sample does not need to be related to the project you intend to be working on in New Zealand, and can be an extract from work already published.
This program is a partnership between Varuna the National Writers’ House of Australia, the Blue Mountains Writers’ Festival and the Michael King Writers Centre, New Zealand. This program is made possible with funding from Creative Australia.
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