NZ Ongoing

New Zealand Young Writers Festival 2026

The New Zealand Young Writers Festival 2026 is a literary gathering in Dunedin (Ōtepoti) that celebrates and supports emerging authors. The program features a two-week writer's residency, an intensive wānaka for selected participants at Puketeraki Marae, and a series of public workshops and literary performances designed to engage the wider community.

Date
Sep 20 - Oct 4, 2026
Location
Dunedin
Status
Ongoing
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New Zealand Young Writers Festival 2026

Event summary

Highlights

  • Two-week writer's residency at the Robert Lord Writers Cottage
  • Two and a half day wānaka at Puketeraki Marae for invited participants
  • Two days of public workshops and literary performances in Dunedin
The New Zealand Young Writers Festival (NZYWF) returns to Dunedin for 2026, continuing its mission to foster artistic development among young writers from across Aotearoa. Managed through a partnership between the Dunedin Fringe Arts Trust and the Robert Lord Writers Cottage Trust, the festival serves as a vital platform for creative growth and professional networking in Otago's literary scene.

A central feature of the 2026 event is a two-week writer's residency hosted at the Robert Lord Writers Cottage. The residency provides a selected author with dedicated time to research and develop new long-form work. Following the residency, the festival facilitates a two-and-a-half-day wānaka at Puketeraki Marae, bringing together 26 invited participants for focused sessions and mentorship.

In addition to the residency and private wānaka, the festival hosts two days of public-facing activities. These include literary workshops and events where the public can engage with young authors. The festival highlights Dunedin’s role as a UNESCO City of Literature by providing accessible opportunities for writers to showcase their craft and connect with the local community.

Practical details

Before attending

Check the sources below for current opening times, admission prices and registration requirements. A date range does not mean the event runs continuously or that admission is free.

Sources and further information

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Location map

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