Published writers can put pen to paper to apply for a 12-week paid Oturehua residency this winter.

The residency includes a three bedroom house in Oturehua, power, internet and fireweood along with $1000 per week. 

As the theme of this years retreat is the environment, organisers are looking for someone who demonstrates an awareness of connection to the land and the urgent need to be responsible kaitiaki (guardian). 

Spokesperson, poet and short story writer Bridget Auchmuty said it was a generous residency that would be awarded to someone who was serious about writing.

Bridget Auchmuty, a tutor on the retreat, also teaches at Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology and Massey University.

She said the idea for the residency came about after past participants in the annual Under Rough Ridge Writer’s Retreat wanted to stay longer.

“So someone here offered their house . . . people who had come [to the retreat] said it would be lovely to be able to stay for a while to soak in the atmosphere.”

Applicants can write in fiction, non fiction or poetry and need to have ‘proven literary merit’ having published one book as well as a body of work in recognised publications. 

They also need to be NZ citizens or permanent residents, at least 35 years of age and in good health. 

The residency is a new venture building on the success of the annual week-long retreat held in Oturehua, that has been run for the past four years. 

Bridget said the retreat sells out well in advance.

“We’ve always got a waiting list, the retreat and the residency are a way for people to come and experience being in Central Otago, take time out in an amazingly beautiful place. “

The residency will be from early July to late September, providing an opportunity for the successful candidate to discover the stark beauty of a Central Otago winter and incorporate their experience into their work. 

The successful applicant will be asked give a talk during the annual retreat which runs September 24 – October 1.

Further information can be found by emailing Bridget (email: [email protected])