Hagley Writers' Institute

The Hagley Writers' Institute opens in 2008 and its aim is to provide first class professional development for those who want to further their writing. The programme is designed to provide a stimulating learning environment for adult writers, assistance in preparing work for publication and a pathway to tertiary study. 

This year-long, part-time course will be tutored by two of New Zealand's most prestigious writers, Fiona Farrell and Bernadette Hall. Students will work together in close units with their tutors and will be mentored one on one by a supervisor. The programme also offers students and valuable insight into the professional writing process with lectures from visiting international writers, access to publishers and editors and the chance to meet many of New Zealand's leading writers in workshops and informal discussions.

The main class each week is timetabled for Saturday mornings to allow students to combine work and other commitments with participation in the course.

Entry to the course is competitive. Students are required to submit a short portfolio followed by an interview with the director and the tutors.

The Writers' Institute will be located in the 'Writers' Block' at Hagley Community College in central Christchurch and will add to the vibrant artistic community developed at Hagley with the Theatre Company, the Jazz School and the Dance Company. As well as the College's own creative writing courses, this building also hosts the School for Young Writers and is the venue for many literary events. The Writers' Block will provide a collegial atmosphere for students at the Institute.

For further information please email the Director, Morrin Rout at writers@hagley.school.nz or phone 03 3299789 or visit http://www.hagley.school.nz