Job Description

• Would you value a supportive, creative space to work on your latest projects?
• Are you in the early stages of your writing career and building a growing body of work?
• Do you want the opportunity to spend three months writing full‑time within a creative institute?

Kōrero mō te tūranga - About the role

Te Pūtahi Tuhi Auaha o Te Ao - International Institute of Modern Letters at Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington invite applications from Pasifika writers in all areas of literary activity, excluding writing for film or television, for the Emerging Pasifika Writer in Residence. The Residency is for a period of 3 months in the second half of 2026.

Applicants should be writers at an early stage of their career, with a growing body of work, and must be either New Zealand citizens or hold permanent residency. Applications from small groups or collectives will also be considered, although the resources remain the same as for an individual writer.

There is a writer’s stipend of $15,000, a space to write and creative support. You will spend the three months working on your latest project with backing from Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington’s renowned creative writing school and Creative New Zealand during the second half of 2026.

In consultation with the successful applicant, a Mentor from the Pasifika arts community will be sought. The terms of the mentorship are to be agreed between the Writer, the Mentor, and the Te Pūtahi Tuhi Auaha o Te Ao - International Institute of Modern Letters as appropriate.

There is no restriction on the occupation of applicants, but they should not be full-time employees of Creative New Zealand or Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington, nor have been employed by Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington on a full-time basis in the twelve months prior to the closing date.

Click here to see further information, including salary details.

If this link is not available, click 'apply' to view this on the University careers page.

Close date for vacancy: 31 May 2026.

Contact details for vacancy: If you have any questions regarding this role please get in touch with Katie Hardwick-Smith (04 463 6854 or modernletters@vuw.ac.nz).

Please provide the following documents with your application:

1. A writing CV detailing relevant published writings and work in progress. The work may be presented via any of the following platforms: Published books, performance poetry, online venues, journals, theatre, but excluding film or television.
2. A writing sample: This does not have to be writing from the project intended for the tenure. This sample should be 5-10 pages of prose, 5-10 poems, or the equivalent in another genre.
3. Proposal for work during tenure in the form of a covering letter.
4. Present position.
5. Details of any other funding for the intended project.

How to apply: Please ensure you are applying for this role directly on our careers page and not via email. Candidates must submit supporting documents along with their resume, such as a cover letter.

We can only consider applicants who are citizens or residents of New Zealand or Australia or on a current working visa. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and we may progress with suitable applicants prior to the application closing date. Applications from recruitment agencies are not accepted.

Mō Te Herenga Waka - About Our University

Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington is renowned for its high-quality research and exceptional teaching. We attract people from around the world. Our university campus spans Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington - the creative, scientific and political centre of Aotearoa New Zealand - and our students thrive on the connections we have made here.

Explore the many benefits of working at Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington. Find out where you fit in our strategic direction and learn more about our research expertise