Check out our exciting residents for 2025!
Kia rerekē te hue, Ōtaki, or In other words, Ōtaki offers a short-term residency for five professional Aotearoa storytellers, selected through a nationwide application process.
This year, 2025, marks our inaugural year, which is being run as a pilot. Unlike traditional residencies that focus solely on individual work, IOWŌ balances quiet time for creative mahi with community connection. Our storytellers share their skills through small, tailored events with local community groups.
In this first year, we’re collaborating directly with community organisations to deliver nine events to their members - eight of which are free or koha. We’ll review what we learn this year to expand community access to events in 2026 and beyond.
Our storytellers are hosted at Ōtaki beach baches generously donated by homeowners. We’re deeply grateful to our bach owners, and to the local businesses supporting storytellers’ transport, groceries, and well-being while they are with us.