28 Feb 2025
For three months at the University of Hawai’i, David Fane immersed himself in refining his craft and exploring new ideas.
As the recipient of the Fulbright-Creative New Zealand Pacific Writers’ Residency 2024, he spent his time with Tagata Moana creatives and academics, drawing inspiration from his Samoan heritage and the local communities he met.
For David, this was grounding and freeing.
“Being in a new space, surrounded by other creatives who understood the nuances of our stories, allowed me to step back and see my work with fresh eyes. I wasn’t just writing—I was reconnecting with why I write in the first place,” David says.
“I’m incredibly grateful to the University staff and fellow academics for their endless talanoa and for creating a space where ideas could flow freely.”
A surprising highlight of his residency was his deep dive into books.
“I spent hours in the university library, absorbing all the measina housed within its walls,” he says. “It reminded me of the power of stories, not just in books but in the voices around me.”
Now back home, David is reflecting on his time in Hawai‘i and weaving his learnings into his writing, exploring themes of laughter as a cornerstone of Pacific identity - how Pasifika people use laughter and what it reveals about who we are. He believes that laughter is more than humour; it’s an act of resistance and a thread that binds Pacific communities together.
David encourages fellow creatives to take the leap to develop their craft, and, most importantly—find joy in the journey.
“I had my doubts about applying, wondering if a residency like this was meant for someone at this stage in my career, at my age,” he says.
“But I’m thankful to teams at Creative NZ and Fulbright New Zealand for giving me this opportunity, and maybe even the Gods of insanity for giving me the courage to go for it.”
The Fulbright-Creative New Zealand Pacific Writers’ Residency 2025/2026 is open for submissions. Applications close on Friday 7 March 2025.
CATEGORIES: Fellowships awards and residencies Latest news and blog
Share this
