Begun by the Dunedin College of Education in 1992, the University of Otago College of Education / Creative New Zealand Children’s Writer in Residence has allowed writers to work full time in a compatible environment among colleagues who are involved with the teaching of reading and literature to children.
With support from Creative New Zealand to fund the writer’s remuneration, the residency has been offered in association with the Robert Lord Trust, which provides rent-free accommodation to writers in the historic Titan Street cottage bequeathed by the late playwright Robert Lord.
This residency will not be offered in 2026. This has been a difficult decision, which we have had to make due to a change in our external funding.
Read more on The Sapling: The end of the University of Otago Children’s Writer Residency?
The University is committed to seeking funding to be able to resume this important residency in 2027 and beyond. A fundraising campaign to build an endowment fund for the Children’s Writer in Residence is now underway – if successful, we can ensure the future of this residency in perpetuity.
Please support the University of Otago College of Education Children’s Writer in Residence by making a donation via our website.
Email arts.fellows@otago.ac.nz for more information