Varuna International Exchange New Zealand
Open to Varuna alumni who have published new work between 2021 - 2025, this four-week fellowship includes four weeks’ accommodation at Michael King Writers Centre, return airfares, and an appearance at Verb Wellington.
Applications for 2025 will open soon.
Dates: October / November 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
FAQ: Please read the FAQ before you apply.
The Varuna International Residency Program in New Zealand is a four-week residency at Michael King Writers Centre in Auckland, held in collaboration with Verb Readers and Writers Festival in Wellington.
Open to Varuna alumni who have published new work between 2021 - 2025, the fellowship includes return airfares between Australia and New Zealand, travel expenses between Auckland and Wellington, and four weeks’ accommodation (including an allowance for food expenses).
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. Please refer to Accessibility Information below.
This program is an exchange, with Michael King Writers Centre sending a writer from New Zealand to stay at Varuna for four weeks in October 2024. That fellowship includes a four-week residency at Varuna, as well as an appearance at the Blue Mountains Writers’ Festival.
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.
This program is a partnership between Varuna the National Writers’ House of Australia, the Blue Mountains Writers’ Festival, the Michael King Writers Centre, New Zealand and Verb Wellington Writers Festival, New Zealand. This program is made possible with funding from Creative Australia.
UPCOMING FELLOWSHIPS, COURSES AND EVENTS
