Funding · New Zealand

Sargeson Trust opened 2027 Ireland Wilson Sargeson Fellowships

Two published New Zealand writers will share a $30,000 stipend to write full-time from February 2027. Applications closed on 19 October.

By The Book Source21 September 20261 minute read

The Sargeson Trust opened applications for the 2027 Ireland Wilson Sargeson Fellowships, which give published New Zealand writers time to work full-time on a book project.

Two fellows will share a $30,000 stipend, $15,000 each, with the fellowships starting in February 2027. Applications closed on Monday 19 October 2026. The application form and terms were posted on the Frank Sargeson Trust website for writers to download.

The trust's chair, Elizabeth Aitken Rose, described the fellowships as a cornerstone of support for the country's literary community.

The 2026 fellows were Bridget van der Zijpp and Laurence Fearnley. Van der Zijpp said selection had a significant impact on her work in progress, and Fearnley said the fellowship gave her a big boost in confidence. Both spoke of the value of protected time to write.

Original source: Kete Books ↗

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