The Mātātuhi Foundation announces funding for six initiatives from writers, editors and organisations that will enhance or develop the literary landscape of New Zealand.

• Sonya Wilson: To support the promotion and expansion of the children’s literacy project ‘Kiwi Christmas Books’ beyond Auckland.

• Verb Wellington: To support the establishment of an emerging writer’s residency in the Wellington region.

• Toitoi Journal: To support the creation of video and web-based assets in te reo Māori and English that encourage journal submissions from young Māori writers and showcase their work through publication. 

• Sunday Star-Times Short Story Awards: To fund a series of free webinars focused on developing short-fiction writing skills in emerging writers, of all ages

• Coalition for Books: To support an international best practice research project that will inform the development of future initiatives by the Coalition for Books and the wider New Zealand literary sector, with the aim of increasing New Zealand readership of New Zealand books and authors.

• New Zealand Society of Authors: To help fund the expansion of NZSA’s online learning programmes for all writers throughout Aotearoa, with a particular emphasis on regional delivery.

This is the fifth funding round for the Foundation, established by the Auckland Writers Festival in 2018. Its aim is to support the literary community with seed funding of up to $5000 for innovative literature-related initiatives.

Mātātuhi Foundation Chair Anne Blackburn was delighted with the record number of expressions of interest received from around New Zealand.

“The number and calibre of applications is increasing with each new funding round, from individuals, collectives, and organisations both new and established. Many of these projects will help expand the reach and impact of New Zealand books, and connect our writers and readers. 

Up to ten grants are available each year across two funding rounds (May and October).  Submissions must be made online at http://www.matatuhifoundation.co.nz/

Grants to date have supported workshops, websites, podcasts, digital content, mentoring and community projects, including the mentoring of youth and emerging writers, creating an online bibliography of books available in te reo, and projects that celebrate and preserve our literary history.