The prize money, courtesy of generous patrons Jude and Dick Frizzell, has been doubled from $5,000 to $10,000 and the residency at the Surrey is now a fortnight.

There are now two destinations and two first prizes to choose from: the Surrey Hotel, in Grey Lynn, Auckland, or the Apple Pickers’ Cottages in Māpua, Nelson. Each winner receives $3000. Second prize at each venue will receive five nights accommodation and $1500. Third prize at each venue will receive three nights accommodation and $500.

Results will be announced live on Jesse Mulligan’s afternoon show on Radio New Zealand, as per tradition.

Winners must take up the Surrey residency before Easter, and the Māpua residency is between May 1, 2027, and September 30, 2027.

Entries close on Sunday, September 14.

They must be emailed to stephen11@xtra.co.nz with the subject line in screaming caps THE 2026 SURREY HOTEL AND MĀPUA WRITERS RESIDENCY AWARDS.