2009 Writer-in-Residence Appointed

Media release
25 June 2009

2009 Writer-in-Residence Appointed

The University of Auckland/Creative New Zealand
Writer-in-Residence at the
Michael King Writers’ Centre

Distinguished Wellington poet, novelist and critic, Ian Wedde, has been selected for a six month writer’s residency in Auckland starting in July.

The residency is a partnership between The University of Auckland, Creative New Zealand and the Michael King Writers’ Centre. It aims to foster New Zealand writing by providing an opportunity for an established author to work full-time on a major project in an academic environment, together with free accommodation and a studio working space at the Michael King Writers’ Centre in Devonport, Auckland.

Ian Wedde has published a large number of poetry collections and novels, and his poems appear in numerous journals and anthologies. He was editor of the 1985 Penguin Book of New Zealand Verse, co-edited with Harvey McQueen, and has won many distinguished awards and fellowships. His work as an art critic led him to curate a number of key exhibitions and work as the arts projects manager at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa from 1994 to 2004. In 2005 he was the Meridian Energy Katherine Mansfield Memorial Fellow.

Wedde's latest publication is The Viewing Platform (Penguin, 2006) and he has two books due out later this year.

In 2007, Wedde received a Distinguished Alumni Award from The University of Auckland. These annual awards honour alumni who have made outstanding contributions to their professions, to their communities, and to the nation.

While he holds the 2009 residency, Wedde plans to work on a new novel, a book of poems and a book-length essay about the meaning of home.

ENDS

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