Emerging Maori Writer in Residence

• Are you an emerging Māori writer, in the early stage of your career with a growing body of work?
• Would you value the chance to write in English or te reo Māori within a supportive creative environment?
• Do you want the chance to spend three months working on your latest project with great creative support?

Kōrero mō te tūranga - About the role

Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington is currently seeking an Emerging Māori Writer in Residence for three months in the first half of 2026.

This is an exciting opportunity for emerging Māori writers in Aotearoa.

Applications are invited from Māori writers in all areas of literary activity, including drama, fiction and poetry (page and performance), devised performance, creative nonfiction, graphic novels, but excluding writing for film or television. Projects may be written in English or te reo Māori.

Spend three months working on your latest project with backing from Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington/ renowned creative writing school and Creative New Zealand.

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

The documents required for application are listed on the Role Description located on the Vacancies page of the University’s website.

Role Description - Click here to see further information, including salary details. If this link is not available, click 'apply' to view this on the University career's page.

Close date for vacancy: 31 October 2025.

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

We can only consider applicants who are citizens or residents of New Zealand.

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 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.