Varuna International Exchange New Zealand
Open to Varuna alumni who have published new work between 2021 - 2025, this fellowship includes four weeks’ accommodation at Michael King Writers Centre, as well as return airfares.
Residency dates: 13 October - 9 November 2025
Applications open: 12 March 2025
Applications close: 5pm AEST 14 April 2025
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 2021 - 2025.
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.
The Varuna International Residency Program in New Zealand is a four-week residency at Michael King Writers Centre in Auckland.
Open to Varuna alumni who have published new work between 2021 - 2025*, the fellowship includes:
return airfares between Australia and New Zealand
four weeks’ accommodation, 13 October - 9 November 2025 (including an allowance for food expenses)
Assessors are looking for authors with exciting work in progress that would benefit from a residency in New Zealand. Artistic merit is the most important criterion for our assessors, who, depending on genre, are looking for sound structure, compelling themes, a distinctive and engaging voice, vivid imagery, strongly written characters, social and cultural relevance, and/or the work’s capacity to connect with readers. Our assessors also consider the potential of your manuscript, based on your experience as a writer and your work plan, and the potential benefit of an international exchange on your career.
*Work published between 2021 - 2025 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.
In regards to 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.
HOW TO APPLY
This international exchange is open to Varuna alumni who have published new work between 2021 and 2025. 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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