The Tūpuna Maunga Authority is pleased to announce the Tūpuna Maunga Residency Programme, delivered in partnership with the Michael King Writers’ Centre.
The programme funds two, 2-week residencies at the Michael King Writers’ Centre (MKWC), based in the historic Signalman’s House on Takarunga / Mt Victoria.
The residency is open to individuals working on projects about or related to the Tūpuna Maunga. Projects can be new or ongoing, and come from a wide range of fields, including creative arts, literature, social sciences, and applied sciences.
Applicants to the Tūpuna Maunga Authority Research Scholarship are encouraged to apply.
Applications can be submitted in Te Reo Māori and / or English.
Timeframe
• Applications open: 29 June 2026
• Applications close: 11:59 pm, 30 August 2026
Who is eligible?
• You must be a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident.
• Your project must relate to the Tūpuna Maunga.
What the residency includes
• Accommodation at the Michael King Writers’ Centre for two weeks (dates are flexible)
• A stipend paid at the living wage for two weeks
What your application must consider
• The value of the project to the Tūpuna Maunga, including how it enhances the mana and wellbeing of the maunga
• How mana whenua are included, considered, or will benefit from the project
Expectations of residency recipients
• Follow any rules set by the Michael King Writers’ Centre during the residency period
• Submit an end-of-stay report at the conclusion of the residency
Apply through SmartyGrants
Submit your application via SmartyGrants.
Contact the TMA Permit Coordinator if you need advice on your application.
For more funded opportunities, click here.
Documents to supply with your application
It is important to provide all requested information as part of your application so that we can process it efficiently.
| Residency | |
| Project Plan | We will ask you to discuss your project plan within your application |
| Site Map | Yes, if known, and if your project included physical interaction with the Maunga |
| Health and safety plan | Will be required if your application is successful, and if your project included physical interaction with the Maunga |
| Waste management plan | Will be required if your application is successful, and if your project included physical interaction with the Maunga |
| Letters of support or consultation | Not required, but can be included if they are beneficial to the application |
| Examples of previous work | Yes, if relevant to your application |
| Associated permits or regulatory approvals |
If instructed by the permit coordinator |