Two writers residencies in crisis

Two of the most well-established writers residencies in New Zealand literature are under threat. Wellington’s Randell Cottage Writers Residency has been defunded. The Sargeson Fellowship, with beautiful premises in Auckland’s Albert Park, is now essentially homeless. Both face uncertain if not downright gloomy futures.

“I think a lot of the people from the writing community are so incensed by this, and they’re not people with much money in a lot of cases, but they’re putting in $20, $30 each, and that is getting us there. We are making progress. But we really do need a second push to get to the second half of the money.” – Trust chair Christine Hurley

Fundraisers have already collected about $15,000, and the Boosted crowdfunder campaign is about half-way to achieving the remaining balance needed for the $32,000 stipend.

Donate to the Boosted campaign.

Read the full article by Steve Braunias on Newsroom.

The front door of a cream-coloured wooden cottage with a red door and roof, and brick tiles as the path.
Still from video by Jeremy Macey