Job Description

Fixed Term: January – October 2027 | 5 hours per week

Passionate about Te Ao Māori, storytelling and sharing the voices and perspectives of Māori students?

We're looking for a creative, passionate and enthusiastic Te Ao Māori Writer to join Canta in 2027!

Canta is the official student magazine and media platform of the University of Canterbury. Since 1930, we've been entertaining, informing and challenging the UC community, sharing the stories that matter to students across print and digital platforms.

Created by students, for students, Canta is all about celebrating student voices, sparking conversations and keeping campus life interesting.

As our Te Ao Māori Writer, you'll have the opportunity to celebrate Māori culture, perspectives and experiences through engaging and meaningful storytelling. Working alongside the Print Editor and wider Canta team, you'll help ensure kaupapa Māori stories are shared, Māori voices are represented and Te Ao Māori has a strong presence across Canta's content.

What You'll Be Doing

• Share the stories that matter – Research and write engaging articles that reflect Māori perspectives, experiences and issues relevant to UC students.
• Bring Māori voices to the forefront – Explore stories that celebrate Te Ao Māori, tikanga, Te Reo Māori and the experiences of Māori students.
• Make your mark – Produce at least two kaupapa Māori-focused articles each term, bringing your own ideas, creativity and perspective to Canta.
• Work with the Canta crew – Collaborate with the Print Editor and wider editorial team to develop content and contribute to Canta's publications.

Is This You?

You're a Māori student currently studying towards a tertiary qualification in journalism, media, communications or a related field, with a passion for storytelling and sharing Māori perspectives.

We're looking for someone who brings:

• An intermediate to high level of proficiency in Te Reo Māori.
• A strong connection to and understanding of Te Ao Māori, tikanga and kaupapa Māori.
• A passion for writing, storytelling and creating meaningful content.
• Strong written communication skills, with the ability to research and develop engaging articles.
• Creativity, initiative and the confidence to bring fresh ideas and perspectives.
• Great organisational skills and the ability to meet deadlines.
• A collaborative attitude and enthusiasm for working with a creative student team.

Why Join Canta?

This is your chance to:

• Amplify Māori voices and perspectives across the UC community.
• Share stories that inform, inspire and connect students.
• Build your writing portfolio and gain hands-on experience in student media.
• Work alongside a talented and creative team of fellow students.
• Help shape the presence of Te Ao Māori within one of UC's most iconic student platforms.

Ready to Share Your Stories?

We want to hear from you!

Apply through our careers site with your CV, cover letter and examples of your writing or creative work.

Your examples could include articles, essays, digital content, blogs or other pieces that demonstrate your writing skills, creativity and passion for storytelling.