We are thrilled to announce the completion of another successful UPC Postgraduate Writers’ Retreat at Vaughan Park, Long Bay. The retreat took place from 18 to 21 April, offering an opportunity for independent writing time to 20 postgraduate research students at AUT.
Feedback from the event has come in different expressions:
Room 2: Immersive Space
Sounds of heavy machinery, Dump of the dump truck
Turning of the bus, Songs of the tui
Radio NZ, Chattering children
Barking doggies, Squawking gulls
50 shades of grey, Women close by
Merging, Creating a sound of silence
Unless of course, I be a conscious listener
Otherwise, A warm comfortable quilt
A homely space of quiet retreat
The privilege of inner reflection
Curious questions, Carefully crafted sentences
My Big Story
Patsi
The UPC Postgraduate Writers’ retreat was a fantastic experience for me. It not only gave me a jump start on my writing, but I took away some valuable tips that have helped me to maintain my writing practice now that I am back home. Jacques
Jambo Jennie & Pedro,
Thanks you two for organising such an empowering and invigorating Writing Retreat. For me, it gave me special consecrated time to focus on my writing. I was able to complete one chapter (last part) and start a new one. Without this Retreat, I was not going to be able to accomplish this. Without any hesitation, I highly recommend this Retreat to my fellow students.
KiaOra and Jambo!!!!! Tuwe (PhD Candidate)
The writers retreat was a fantastic opportunity for uninterrupted writing time and building project momentum. Great food and a chance to meet people at all different stages of their postgraduate studies. I highly recommend it. Joshua
Not only was I gifted with distraction free time and space, but the group as a whole was inspiring and reminded me why I am passionate about research. Thanks for the opportunity! Julia
Many thanks for the rare privilege and opportunity to attend the PG Writer’s Retreat. I found it a remarkable opportunity, as a Master of Creative Writing candidate, and trying to work full-time. I was able to focus on writing with no distractions. Although I come from a different angle, one that doesn’t fit into the traditional thesis methodology, I nevertheless gained a valuable insight into the writing process through your excellent and nurturing sessions, which I know others attending also found insightful. I think above all it’s an excellent opportunity for PG students to come together from different disciplines.
I got a full 3 chapters of my creative project completed, which in 3 days is quite an achievement. Thank you again. Lincoln
The retreat gave me the space and time to really make sense of the ideas I’ve had floating in my head for a while, and most importantly, get those ideas down as concrete writing pieces. The discussions I’ve had with researchers has been extremely valuable, and I have left the retreat feeling a lot more confident in my ability to finish my Master’s thesis on time (especially after hearing others speak of their own work and processes). A heartfelt thank you to the facilitators and researchers for a wonderful writer’s retreat. Roxanne
Two key benefits of the rewriting retreat; quick access to peer and staff support plus distraction free time to focus, immerse and write! In terms of ‘progression’, this is, for me, one of the most valuable services provided by the UPC – highly recommended! Tracy
The retreat was super-valuable as it allowed me time to focus on my writing for long period of time without distractions – you don’t realise how much time domestic chores swallow until someone else is doing them all for you! I found that being in the thinking zone for such long periods helped my conceptual thinking kick up a gear and I made huge progress in my time at Vaughan Park. Every woman needs a room of one’s own, and this one very much appreciated her bolthole at Long Bay. He mihi nui ki a koutou katoa ki te Whare Tohu Paerunga! Big thanks to all those at the Postgraduate Centre! Julie
The retreat was truly enriching and a rediscovery of my thesis journey. It has set a pace that’ll confidently take me (within the expected timeframe) to the end of my thesis. Thank you, Jennie, Pedro, and above all, AUT. Sama
Many thanks to all who made possible the Vaughan Park writing retreat. I found it extremely helpful. It allowed me to focus on the demands of starting my data analysis. The retreat gave me the time and the space to work without interruptions. My thinking benefited from kind encouragements and inspiration from other colleagues participants. Special thanks to Jennie Billot and Pedro Silva, who gently and professionally guided us to reach the outcome that we planned. I hope that many other AUT students will be able to benefit from this kind of support in the future, and if I am allowed a suggestion, an extra day will work miracles. Lucia
Thank you Jennie and Pedro for helping me to participate in the retreat. I thoroughly enjoyed all aspects of the retreat. It was a perfect balance of components and each one added something – time for reflection, new learning, connecting with some lovely people, receiving some wonderful guidance, soothing environment and lovely food. An incredible opportunity to grow, deepen old knowledge, learn new skills, and take it all forward. Kaberi
Thank you so much for the valuable opportunity to attend the writers retreat 18th – 21st April. I personally was able to gain a lot of knowledge and get myself some very valuable experience with sharing information and ideas with other students that attended. The tutors that were there to support us gave us the experience of their expertise and offered one on one sessions. As a rural student having peer support has proven to be very beneficial and having that time out for myself has been a giant step forward. Once again thank you and please keep these retreats moving forward. Marg
