Pasifika Writer in Residence

Kōrero mō te tūranga - About the role

Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington invites applications for the Emerging Pasifika Writer in Residence 2025 position with Te Pūtahi Tuhi Auaha o Te Ao - International Institute of Modern Letters, Kelburn Campus.

Applications are invited from emerging Pasifika writers in all areas of literary activity, including drama, fiction and poetry (page and performance), devised performance, creative non-fiction, graphic novels, but excluding works for television or film.

Ō pūmanawa - About you

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.

You will spend 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 2025.

There is a writer’s stipend of $15,000, a space to write and creative support. 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 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.

Role Description - Click here to see further information, including salary information.

Close Date for Vacancy: 31 May 2025.

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

Contact Details for Vacancy: If you have any questions regarding this role please get in touch with Katie Hardwick-Smith (04 463 6854, [email protected]).

About Us

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’ve 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.