Applications open for 2027 Randell Cottage Residency
We’re delighted to announce that applications open on 1 September for our sought-after New Zealand residency at Randell Cottage. Apply to join us in the 25th anniversary year
Randell Cottage Open Day – 19 October
Sunday 19 October from 1–4pm is Randell Cottage’s Open Day, in conjunction with Wellington Heritage Festival.
National Library 60th Birthday Open Home
We are delighted to join in celebrating the Sixtieth Birthday of the National Library.
Randell Cottage tours: An exciting travel opportunity
The Friends of Randell Cottage are delighted to announce their first New Zealand literary tour, a trip to Northland in March 2026, accompanied by Dame Fiona Kidman.
An evening with Randell Cottage writers, featuring Saraid de Silva: Wednesday 3 December
Alert: Save the date of 3 December for our annual evening event at the National Library. Please invite your literary friends to join us.
Applications Invited For 2026 Randell Cottage Writers Residency
Applications are now open for one of New Zealand’s top writing residencies: the 2026 Randell Cottage Writers Fellowship.
News of French writers past and future
The Randell Cottage Writers Trustees, in conjunction with the Embassy of France in New Zealand, are delighted to announce that our next French writer-in-residence will be Katia Astafieff.
Special screening of The House Within on 21 July
The Friends of Randell Cottage invite you to a special film evening at the Light House Cuba on 21 July featuring the acclaimed documentary on the life of Dame Fiona Kidman, whose latest poetry collection, The Midnight Plane, has just been launched.
Listen to Randell Cottage resident Titaua Peu on Culture 101
Considered one of the principal French-speaking writers of the Pacific, Peu is known for work that considers Polynesian society today with attention to the effects of colonialism. Here she talks with Mark Amery of Culture 101, who visited her at the colonial cottage in Thorndon.
Meeting The Midnight Plane
The Midnight Plane has landed in Unity Books and other good bookshops around the country.
Dame Fiona Kidman has just launched her collection of selected and new poems at Unity Books, Wellington.
Hinemoana Baker celebrates her time at Randell Cottage
Here’s a special glimpse into what inspires our multi-talented writing resident, Hinemoana Baker, in two videos commissioned from Godwit Films as part of our Trust’s
An evening with the Alliance Française in Palmerston North
On Friday 9th of May, at a session titled “Writers in Conversation”, Patricia Grace and Titaua Peu discussed their work before an audience of around 50 people.
Dame Fiona Kidman to become one of Randell Cottage’s two Patrons
The Randell Cottage Writers Trust is delighted to announce that renowned author Dame Fiona Kidman has agreed to become one of its two Patrons, alongside the Ambassador of France to New Zealand, H.E. Laurence Beau.
Postponed: The Friends present two special literature and history tours of Christchurch and Northland
Two specially-tailored boutique tours have been developed for Friends and supporters of Randell Cottage: to Christchurch from 18 to 22 July and to Northland from 28 August to 1 September.
Friends of Randell Cottage Newsletter May 2025
Download and read the latest Randell Cottage Friends Friday Flash newsletter.
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.