NZ Young Writers Festival

By NZ Young Writers Festival | Posted: Wednesday Jun 24, 2026

Two Opportunities Open!

Participate in the 2026 NZ Young Writers Fest

In 2026, the festival is running a two and a half day wānaka for the young writers at Puketeraki Marae in Karitane. Adopting a tuakana/teina model, the wānaka will provide inspiration, skill building, mentorship and writing opportunities in this unique peer-to-peer learning experience. The festival itself will run for two days, with a range of young writer-led workshops, panels and events.

NZYWF dates: Wed 30 September - Sun 4 October

More information: https://youngwritersfest.nz/eoi/

Young Writer in Residence at the Robert Lord Writers Cottage

The residency is a partnership between Dunedin Fringe and the Robert Lord Writers Cottage Trust, and has been in place for several years. Ōtepoti Dunedin is also a UNESCO City of Literature and has a welcoming creative community that supports writers and writing. The NZ Young Writers Fest aims to foster a warm, inclusive and accessible environment that uplifts and supports the development of young writers.

The residency includes:

• $2,250 stipend (paid $1,125 per week over 2 weeks) to be the Young Writer in Residence (you will be paid an additional fee if you are involved in a Festival event)

• Travel costs to get to and from Dunedin of up to $500

• Two week residency in the fully furnished Robert Lord Writers Cottage in Dunedin’s North End (including electricity and internet)

• Free attendance (including food and accommodation) at the NZYWF 2026 wānaka at Puketeraki Marae with the other young writers.

Residency dates: Sunday 20 September (afternoon) – Sunday 4 October

More information: https://youngwritersfest.nz/residency/