Maori writer's residency

And from www.thebigidea.co.nz

Maori writers looking for a tranquil place to work next year are in luck: during Matariki in 2008, Kapiti Island will host New Zealand's first ever Maori writer's residency. The Tau mai e Kapiti Maori Writer's Residency, funded by Te Waka Toi/Creative New Zealand and hosted by Kaitiaki o Kapiti Trust, will allow a Maori writer to live and work on the northern end of Kapiti island for eight weeks. The writer will also receive a stipend of $4,800.

John Barrett of Kapiti Nature Lodge says the writer will live for two months from June to July 2008 amongst the families on the island, but in his or her own separate accommodation.

"The idea is that they get a chance to hear some of the stories of the island, historical and contemporary, and to create their own writings in this extraordinary environment," he says.

Minnie Clark from the Trust says it's the first time any kind of artist's residency has been offered on the island, and as far as they're aware there are no other residencies in the country aimed specifically at Maori writers.

"At the moment the residency is a one-off," she says,'but if there's enough support and enthusiasm, we would love to think it could become an annual event."

The northern end of Kapiti includes the island's last remaining Māori-owned land, adjoining the internationally regarded predator-free nature reserve Kapiti is well-known for. The northern end is currently the home of the Barretts and their extended whānau, descendants of the Ngāti Toa, Te Ati Awa and Ngāti Raukawa confederation. The Barrett whānau run the Kapiti Nature Lodge.

For more information:

John Barrett
Kaitiaki o Kapiti Trustee
Mobile: 027 288 3771
john@kapitiislandalive.co.nz
www.kapitiislandalive.co.nz

Mei Hill
Project Manager
Mobile: 021 037 9499
taumaiekapiti@pl.net

Hinemoana Baker
Project Writer
Mobile: 027 672 3527
hinemoana@clear.net.nz