This prize, sponsored by New Zealand Post, is one of New Zealand’s most long-standing and prestigious literary awards. It commemorates the New Zealand writer Katherine Mansfield who was born in Wellington, New Zealand in 1888 and died in France in 1923. The prize allows a New Zealand writer to work at the Villa Isola Bella in Menton, France for a period of six months or more in the year of tenure.
The successful applicant is paid a sum which is intended to cover return travel to France and living and accommodation expenses, currently not less than $100,000 (plus GST where applicable).
The residency was formerly known as the Katherine Mansfield Menton Fellowship.
New Zealand Post became the sponsor in 2008 and increased the amount of the prize to its current level making it the most valuable New Zealand international writer’s residency programme.
