The Write Stuff

One of Dunedin’s most quaint historic cottages that hosts internationally renown writers will be getting a much needed facelift thanks to a donation of $7,500 from the Otago Community Trust.
The one bedroom cottage situated, at 3 Titan Street, was originally built in 1909 and purchased in 1988 by one of New Zealand’s most gifted playwrights Robert Lord. Following his death in 1992, he left the cottage for use as rent free retreat for selected writers.
Otago Community Trust Chief Executive Keith Ellwood said “The value in having internationally recognised writers spend a year in Dunedin is fantastic, not only can they experience Dunedin’s unique culture and landscape, they can spread the word about our region nationally and internationally”.
A group of volunteers now manage the Robert Lord residency program and the day to day running of the cottage. The $7,500 will assist with repairs to the property including insulation, re-pointing of brickwork and repairs to the courtyard.
Writers in residence have included award winning children’s author Joanna Orwin. During her time at the cottage she worked on “Sacrifice”, her first novel for young adults which was launched nationally earlier this year. This six month residency was offered in partnership with the University of Otago’s College of Education.
Current writer in residence is Linda Tyler, Director of the Centre for New Zealand Art Research and Discovery at Auckland University. She is researching the art and life of Glaswegian textile designer John Buchanan who arrived in Dunedin in 1852. 
This donation was part of the $144,300 the Otago Community Trust granted to 26 organisations across Otago over August this year.  This also included $11,000 to the Orokonui sanctuary to assist with the costs of hosting Siroco, a hand reared Kakapo who is an ambassador for his species.