The Luna Foundation Writers Residency 2026
The Luna Foundation is a female-led, family-run charitable organisation that empowers and supports women throughout New Zealand by providing financial assistance and other resources in the areas of education, health and wellbeing, arts and culture, and entrepreneurial endeavours.
Through its involvement with the arts, The Luna Foundation has recognised the need to establish a residency for women writers who would benefit from dedicated time spent progressing their creative projects.
Open to any woman writer who holds a current New Zealand passport or is a New Zealand permanent resident, the Luna Foundation Writer’s Residency will be held from 2-16 November 2026. In addition to a 14-night stay in Hawke’s Bay, the successful applicant will be offered a stipend, airport transfers, and a car for personal use during the Residency.
Applications will open on 29 June and close 5pm 13 July 2026. Applicants will need to provide information about their intended writing project, details of published work or a notable project, and up to 500 words on why this Residency would be beneficial.
To apply, please follow the link.
Press Release:
The Luna Foundation is a family-run charitable trust established by female members of the Wallace family to help support women in Aotearoa New Zealand. As such, the Luna Foundation invites any female writer to apply for this residency. Applicants must hold a current New Zealand passport or be a permanent New Zealand resident.
Date
The Luna Foundation Writer’s Residency will be held from 2–16 November 2026.
Location
The residency includes a 14-night stay at Telegraph Hill in a self-contained, two-bedroom villa in Havelock North, Hawkes Bay.
The Villa
Atop a small rise within the larger Telegraph Hill property, the villa is 3.34km from Havelock North; a 4-minute drive or a 35-minute walk to the village. Looking directly over the river valleys in the east, the mountains in the west, and the ocean straight ahead to the north, the villa is a quiet, peaceful space.
Havelock North
Havelock North is a charming village in the Hawke’s Bay region of New Zealand. A few kilometres southeast of Hastings, it is known for its picturesque setting at the foot of Te Mata Peak, a popular hiking and sightseeing spot offering panoramic views of the surrounding vineyards, orchards, and coastline.
A gateway to some of Hawke’s Bay’s finest wineries and vineyards, the area has a strong community atmosphere being home also to excellent schools, art galleries, and weekend markets. With a mild climate and plenty of outdoor activities, Havelock North is considered one of New Zealand’s most desirable small towns.
Stipend
A stipend of $3,500 will be offered to help with expenses, including travel.
Transport
A car will be available for personal use for the duration of the residency.
Tell us about yourself
Please answer these questions using 500 words or less for each:
1. Why would this residency be beneficial to you?
2. Describe your intended writing project.
3. Please include details of published work or notable projects.
4. Please include contact information with your application (full name, date of birth, phone number and email)
Entries
Applications open 29 June and close at 5pm 13 July 2026.
Applications can be sent to hello@lunafoundation.co.nz as an attachment with the subject line ‘Luna Foundation Writer’s Application’ or can be made through the form on the website.
The successful applicant will be notified directly by the Luna Foundation by 10 August 2026. The results will be made public following the completion of the selection process.
Following the residency, we will ask you to complete a feedback form.
Further information about the Luna Foundation can be found at www.lunafoundation.co.nz.