A $12,000 Opportunity for Writers
Calling for applications from writers of fiction, non-fiction, poetry and drama with a literary track record, who are currently working on a new project.
The Peter and Dianne Beatson Fellowship is awarded each year to a mid-career or senior writer to work on a project that shows a high level of literary merit and national significance and is donated by Peter Beatson. Peter has increased the Fellowship to $12,000 this year. We are so appreciative and thank Peter for his continuing and generous support of New Zealand writers.
In 2025, the fellowship was awarded to Breton Dukes, who used the funding to work on to work on a collection of connected short stories.
Breton Dukes has this to say about his win: “It’s hard being a writer. The self-doubt. The blank page – that blinking cursor! And let’s be frank, this government and most of the previous ones don’t care/haven’t cared about the arts. They don’t care about literature. Those in power would struggle to spell the word. Their idea of funding the arts is a joke. We grovel for every cent. And books don’t sell – especially short story collections. So, what a boost to get a phone call in the middle of a quiet Wednesday – I was napping on the couch! A phone call about winning the Peter Beatson Fellowship – real money to do more writing. Recognition for the work I have put in up to this point. And faith in what will come next. And real money – did I mention that? Thanks to the NZSA and thanks to Peter Beatson – good on you, Peter! Thanks for the faith.”
Other previous recipients include: Dr Jacqueline Leckie, Laurence Fearnley, Tim Jones, Siobhan Harvey, Whiti Hereaka, Emma Neale, Michael Harlow, Tina Makereti, Jillian Sullivan, Sue Wootton, and Frankie McMillan.
Deadline for applications: Thursday 18 September 2026
To apply for the fellowship you need to be a member of the NZ Society of Authors (PEN NZ Inc). Membership is open to all developing and established writers.
To find out more and to access application forms: https://us.list-manage.com/_ZPG_W201Z_?e=466373ae7c&c2id=0262e346be96b3cfb3b6ac8cf3509050
For media enquiries: contact Chief Executive, The New Zealand Society of Authors Te Puni Kaituhi o Aotearoa PEN NZ Inc. director@nzauthors.org.nz
New Zealand Society of Authors Te Puni Kaituhi O Aotearoa (PEN NZ Inc) was established in 1934 and is the principal organisation representing writers’ interests in NZ. A national office oversees 8 branches and hubs, administers prizes and awards, runs professional development programmes, and advocates for the sector and to raise the visibility of NZ writers and NZ writing. It works in partnership with Ngā Kaituhi Māori and its developing Youth writer’s network.
authors.org.nz