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Applications open now!
Applications for the 2026 residency programme open at:
9am Monday, 23 February 2026
... and close at 5pm on Sunday, 05 April.
RESIDENCY 2026
After a highly successful event in 2025, In other words, Ōtaki (IOWŌ) / Kia rerekē te hua, Ōtaki is delighted to call for applicants for our 2026 10-day residency programme.
The residency is for five Aotearoa storytellers whose work reflects positive and/or progressive ways of thinking about people, community and the environment.
If you're a professional, mid-career to senior Aotearoa-based storyteller who works in fiction or non-fiction (poet, novellist, playwright, librettist, biographer, essayist, screenwriter, digital media content creator or other), and whose work reflects positive and/or progressive ways of thinking about people, community and the environment, we'd love to hear from you.
We're open to all artforms using words as a base!
Local storytellers are welcome to apply.
WHAT WE OFFER
10 days in your own beach bach at beautiful Ōtaki on the stunning Kāpiti Coast, from Friday 4 September to Sunday 13 September (inclusive).
Travel support to and from Ōtaki (within Aotearoa). This is discussed in more depth with successful applicants, but we intend to ensure travel costs are not a barrier.
A comprehensive ‘care’ package provided by our local community and partners. This includes groceries, provisions and other essentials. The five beach-baches are donated by the Ōtaki community. Sponsorship, both cash and in-kind, is also received directly from our community.
Please note, this is not a paid residency.
WHAT IS ASKED OF YOU?
You can work on anything of your choosing!
Alongside the opportunity for selected storytellers to create in a relaxing beach environment, we’re seeking a modest reciprocal sharing of ideas and inspiration between our IOWŌ storytellers and our community.
If your application is successful, you’re required to take part in two curated community events: one designed specifically for you, and one for the community that involves all five residents.
These events are based on your existing work, designed to minimise preparation and include:
A small bespoke gathering
We’d love to share your unique take on reflecting positive and/or progressive ideas with people in our community. We’ll work with you around your special interest area to curate an interaction with Ōtaki residents/groups who share your interests.
This can use your existing material. Participants are limited in number and the event will take no more than two hours. Once successful applicants are confirmed, we’ll tailor these events in conversation with you.
A public event on Sunday 13 September
We’ll create a public event for our community that involves IOWŌ and local storytellers. This event will also take around two hours of your time.
APPLICATIONS
Applications open at 9am NZST, Monday 23 February 2026 and close 5pm NZST, Sunday 05 April 2026.
Applications are assessed by an external panel.
Please note, as we are a small voluntary team, we reserve the right to close applications early if particularly high volumes are received.
Your application must be completed online. We’ll be asking for:
Your full name and contact information.
A short (one A4 page) bio or resume with details of your relevant work history.
A statement of no more than 500 words detailing how your original work reflects new ways of thinking about people, community, and the environment. We’re interested to hear about ways you may be actively involved in, or highlight social change, through your work.
A link to your professional, publicly available/published work - this can include work behind a paywall or for sale.
Successful applicants are notified by Friday, 24 April 2026, with other applicants notified shortly after.
Applications can be made below from 9am (NZST) Monday 23 February 2026.
RESIDENCY FAQs
Successful applicants are provided with further information upon their selection. However, some general FAQs are provided here.
WHAT DO WE MEAN BY MID-CAREER/SENIOR PRACTITIONER?
You’ll need to have at least one work already published or publicly available - and provide a link to this in your application.
WHAT DO WE MEAN BY POSITIVE OR PROGRESSIVE WAS OF THINKING?
We’re looking for professional storytellers who actively explore and communicate new positive ways of thinking, small or large, around people, community and/or the environment, who can meaningfully engage with our community. You might do this through fiction or non-fiction - poetry, novels, film, plays, librettos or digital media content, using humour, satire or other styles - any creative use of words.
You could be a garden writer, playwright, essayist, composer, children’s author, science writer, screen writer, journalist, blogger or a poet for example. We’re open to all forms - you just need to let us know how your work contributes to positive and/or progressive ways of thinking about people, community, or the environment.
DO I HAVE TO WORK ON SOMETHING RELATED TO THE RESIDENCY?
No. You can work on whatever you like.
DO I HAVE TO TAKE PART IN THE TWO EVENTS?
Yes please – we’re aiming for reciprocity with these residencies. It’s a chance to share with our community.
However, besides the two events intended (of no more than two hours duration each), your time on the residency will be your own.
CAN I BRING MY FAMILY?
Residencies are courtesy of bach owners and designed to provide a quiet space for working, so not designed for families. Exceptional circumstances are discussed on a case-by-case basis.
WHAT FACILITIES ARE AVAILABLE AT THE BACHES AND WILL THEY BE WARM?
The facilities available are determined by the particular bach you’re allocated. However, all will have kitchen/bathroom facilities and at least one bedroom. They’re also all very close to the beach.
The baches made available will all be assessed prior – and warm and dry is a priority!
WHAT HAPPENS IF I BREAK OR DAMAGE SOMETHING AT THE BACH?
We’re providing insurance and public liability cover for bach owners. You may be required to cover the excess.
I HAVE ACCESSIBILITY ISSUES – IS THIS SUITABLE FOR ME?
Please make note of any special requirements you have on the application form, including specifics such as you require a carer to accompany you, use a wheelchair or have a guide dog. We will do our best to accommodate where possible.
IS THERE SOMEWHERE TO SELL MY WORK?
Yes – we have the wonderful Books & Co - and we offer sales at the Sunday 13 September event.
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