Ngā Akoranga

Courses & Mentorships


University of Auckland / Faculty of Arts


Creative writing courses are offered at undergraduate level as part of a degree or as one-offs (for a Certificate of Proficiency). The Master of Creative Writing programme is one year, full-time, and limited to 12 students. Course director is Paula Morris, and Selina Tusitala Marsh co-supervises poets. The Faculty also offers PhDs with Creative Practice.

KEY DATES

The MCW runs July–June each year.  Applications due 1 April.

SUBMISSION DETAILS

The MCW requires two applications: one to the University for PG study and a creative portfolio for the programme itself. Contact p.morris@auckland.ac.nz for Info Sheets on the MCW or PhD.

FIND OUT MORE

Auckland University of Technology (AUT)


Creative writing courses are offered at undergraduate level (as part of a Bachelor of Creative Writing) and in the one-year Master of Creative Writing programme. Poet Richard Pamatau directs the programme, and teachers include James George and Siobhan Harvey.

KEY DATES

MCW runs February–November each year.  Applications due December.

SUBMISSION DETAILS

A creative portfolio is required as part of the application.

FIND OUT MORE

University of Canterbury


Some undergraduate courses in creative writing are available. A Master of Writing includes creative and professional writing, and can be taken part-time.

KEY DATES

See website.

SUBMISSION DETAILS

See website.

FIND OUT MORE

The Creative Hub


Based in Auckland’s CBD, with a new additional location in Wellington, The Creative Hub offers a range of creative writing courses in-venue, and an introductory course online.

KEY DATES

See website.

SUBMISSION DETAILS

See website.

FIND OUT MORE

Hagley Writers’ Institute


Since 2007, the Hagley Writers’ Institute has offered a part-time creative writing course for adults in Ōtautahi/Christchurch. It also hosts one-off public workshops by local and visiting writers. Tutors and mentors include Ben Brown, Melanie Dixon, Chloe Lane and Frankie McMillan.

KEY DATES

Applications open in mid-October each year.

SUBMISSION DETAILS

Applicants should enrol online or visit the Enrolment Centre at Hagley College. No payment is needed to enrol. A cover letter and short writing sample will then be requested. Entry to the course is competitive, and the outcome of all applications will be advised in December.

FIND OUT MORE

Massey University


Creative writing courses are available at its three campuses (Albany, Manawatū, Wellington) as well as through its online teaching programme. Massey also offers a Master’s in Creative Writing by distance learning. Robert Sullivan and Whiti Hereaka recently joined the creative faculty.

KEY DATES

See website.

SUBMISSION DETAILS

FIND OUT MORE

NZSA Regional Roadshows


The New Zealand Society of Authors Regional Roadshow ‘brings professional development to the regions,’ through a series of one-day professional workshops, masterclasses and panel discussions in seven regions across the country.

KEY DATES

The 2022 programme started in Whangarei in May and will include Auckland, Wellington, Napier, Dunedin, Christchurch and New Plymouth. See the website for specific dates.

SUBMISSION DETAILS

The roadshows are open to all writers, including non-NZSA members. Prices for the day start at $120.

FIND OUT MORE

NZSA Writer Toolkit


The New Zealand Society of Authors Writer Toolkit is a new series of online craft sessions—on writing and the writing life—that any writer can download and watch at home. All webinars include notes, exercises and suggestions for follow-up reading. Topics include publishing and promotion.

MĀORI TEACHERS INCLUDE

Caroline BarronPaula Morris

KEY DATES

Available now, with new sessions added every month.

SUBMISSION DETAILS

Access to a Writer Toolkit webinar costs $15/$10 for NZSA members and $30 for non-members.

FIND OUT MORE

University of Otago


A number of creative writing classes are offered at undergraduate level.

The Centre for Irish and Scottish Studies offers postgraduate supervision in creative writing at both master’s and PhD level. ‘Our preference is for writers of fiction. We offer particular expertise in the field of crime writing.’

KEY DATES

See website.

SUBMISSION DETAILS

For postgraduate study in creative writing, check this site for details: https://www.otago.ac.nz/ciss/creative-writing/

FIND OUT MORE

Te Papa Tupu


Te Papa Tupu, developed by the Māori Literature Trust and organized by Huia Publishers, is a biennial programme ‘specifically for Māori writers who have written a complete manuscript, a first draft, and are looking to further develop it to be publication ready.’ Six selected writers receive a stipend to work alongside a mentor for six months, to develop a second draft of their manuscript. They attend workshops and writing festivals, and ‘become part of a writing community.’

Since Te Papa Tupu was established in 2010, many of the selected writers have gone on to publish their first manuscript, write further books, and establish their careers.

Te Papa Tupu 2022 writer profiles will be added soon.

RECENT MĀORI WRITERS INCLUDE

Jade KakeOlivia Aroha GilesZeb NicklinGeraldine WarrenDeborah WilliamsAshlee SturmeShilo KinoCassie HartNadine Anne HuraColleen Maria LenihanAtaria SharmanHone Rata

KEY DATES

Applications for 2022 have closed. Will reopen in 2024.

SUBMISSION DETAILS

See website.

FIND OUT MORE

Victoria University Wellington / Te Herenga Waka
International Institute of Modern Letters


Creative writing courses are offered at undergraduate level as part of a degree, and include a Māori and Pasifika Creative Writing Workshop taught in 2022 by Victor Rodger. The MA in Creative Writing programme is one year, full-time, with two streams of 10 for fiction and one stream of 10 for poetry/creative nonfiction. and limited to 12 students. IIML director is Damien Wilkins, and teachers include Kate Duignan, Tina Makereti and Chris Price. The IIML also offers PhDs with Creative Practice.

KEY DATES

The MA in Creative Writing runs March – November. Applications are due 1 November.

SUBMISSION DETAILS

FIND OUT MORE

University of Waikato


Creative writing courses are offered at undergraduate level as part of the Writing Studies programme. Teachers include Catherine Chidgey and Tracey Slaughter. The Masters of Professional Writing includes the option of a creative writing thesis.

KEY DATES

Start dates for the MPW are March and July.

SUBMISSION DETAILS

FIND OUT MORE

Writers Practice


Writers Practice is run by Kirsten Le Harivel from her Kapiti coast base, and offers workshops and retreats—both in-person and online. A number of Māori writers have taught sessions, including Whiti Hereaka and Ruby Solly.

KEY DATES

See website.

SUBMISSION DETAILS

See website.

FIND OUT MORE