NZSA Kaituhi Māori Mentorship Programme

By NZSA | Posted:

Applications close 20 March 2024

The new Kaituhi Māori Mentor Programme gives emerging writers who whakapapa Māori the opportunity to work closely with an acclaimed Māori writer as their mentor to hone their tuhituhi ability and, in the process, evolve and refine a work toward a publishable state.

We welcome kaituhi who write in te reo Māori and/or te reo Pākehā, in the genres of poetry, fiction (including plays), short fiction or non-fiction (excluding screenplays, picture books), on any topic(s). We welcome kaituhi of all ages – from rangatahi to kaumātua.

Over a period of up to six months, this programme provides opportunities to discuss ideas and issues – practical and editorial – and benefit from the experience, mōhio and mana of experienced kaituhi Māori. It is designed to help aspiring kaituhi Māori develop further skills to sustain and strengthen them throughout their future career.

Modelled on a tuakana-teina relationship, this kaupapa aims to offer a safe and supportive space for emerging kaituhi to develop their craft; gain encouragement and accountability, along with substantive feedback.

As well as mentorship, part of this programme is to provide constructive suggestions for the refinement of a work in progress.

This programme aims to support the amplification of Māori voices, Māori stories, and ultimately see greater publication and performance of these works.

There are four (4) mentorships for kaituhi Māori available in 2024.

HOURS OF ENGAGEMENT

Mentors give 25 hours for mentorships over a period of six months.

Some of these hours are for the mentor to read and write critiques. The remaining hours are for communication with the mentee to kōrero and work through issues and ideas, provide practical and editorial advice, and share the benefit of their experience, mōhio and mana.

Mentoring can take place either kanohi ki te kanohi, by telephone, zoom, email or a combination thereof.

There is also the opportunity to meet as a rōpū, either online or kanohi ki te kanohi, with other mentees and mentors, to kōrero, ask pātai, remedy common issues in the writing process and gain from the richness of collective experience and expertise. It is also an opportunity for emerging writers to meet and connect with other emerging writers. At the commencement of each mentorship, once the all-important fit/chemistry/wairua of the mentee and mentor relationship has been confirmed, they will together make a plan setting out the best way to engage and communicate.

TIMELINE

Applications for this programme are open from 20 February – 20 March 2024.

Once applications close, they are sent to a selection panel who then decide on the recipients. Applicants will be notified within 4-6 weeks of the result.

The mentorship will commence on 20 May 2024 when the mentee-mentor match is confirmed and introductions are made. The mentorship then ends on/by 1 December 2024.

ELIGIBILITY

This programme is open to all kaituhi who whakapapa Māori, ie not just those who are members of NZSA.

Successful applicants will not only secure a mentorship, but will also receive a year’s free membership to the NZSA. For existing members, their membership will be extended for an additional year gratis.

FIND OUT MORE AND APPLY: NZSA Kaituhi Māori Mentorship Programme | New Zealand Society of Authors (PEN NZ Inc) Te Puni Kaituhi O Aotearoa