2026 Surrey Hotel/Newsroom writers residency award open

By Ōtepoti He Puna Auaha | Dunedin UNESCO City of Literature | Posted: Thursday Aug 20, 2026

Entries close on Sunday, September 14.

There are two first prizes. One winner will shack up for 14 nights at the amazing Surrey Hotel in Grey Lynn, and another winner will swan around for seven nights at the Apple Pickers Cottage in Māpua. Each winner will pocket $3000. Second prize at each venue will receive five nights accommodation and $1500. Third prize at each venue will receive three nights accommodation and $500.

Winners must take up the Surrey residency before Easter, and the Māpua residency is between May 1, 2027, and September 30, 2027.

They must be emailed to stephen11@xtra.co.nz with the subject line in screaming caps THE 2026 SURREY HOTEL AND MĀPUA WRITERS RESIDENCY AWARDS.

Find out more: Surrey prize doubled, plus: Māpua! - Newsroom