Wellington’s Randell Cottage Writers’ Trust, established in September 2001, promotes the development of literature by providing a six month residency each year to one French and one New Zealand writer. Over the past six years, Peter Wells, Nadine Ribault, Tim Corballis, Charles Juliet, Michael Harlow, Pierre Furlan (whose latest book is reviewed here), Renée, Dominique Mainard, Beryl Fletcher, Annie Saumont, and current resident, Whiti Hereaka, have benefited from the residency.

However, if it’s to continue as a successful writers’ residency, the historic Thorndon cottage will need additional funds. A group of Wellington writers led by this year’s Louis Johnson bursary winner, Mary McCallum, have stepped in to support Randell Cottage. McCallum, whose novel The Blue (also reviewed here) has just been launched, will chair the new Friends of Randell Cottage Committee, set up to help promote the Cottage and raise funds. She’s joined by Montana Award winning writers Rachael King and Jessie Munro as well as Anne Faulkner and Janet Bache.

“As writers, we’re very aware of the financial pressures that authors face. We also know what tremendous creative value a residency like this offers, right in the centre of historic Thorndon,” McCallum says. The group has some exciting new ideas about how to lift the profile of Randell Cottage and raise funds, but they’re under wraps for now.
The new committee was established by Dame Fiona Kidman and Gordon Stewart to support the work of the Randell Cottage Trust. “Randell Cottage is offering fellowships and opportunity to both established and emerging talent. The vitality and interest of a Friends group will ensure that the concept remains fresh and lively, and will continue to attract top flight writers to live in Wellington,” Kidman says.

If you would like to support Randell Cottage, you can contact Mary McCallum on 027 600 3313 or Janet Bache on 027 200 5426.—Amy Brown