Writer in Residence

Job Description:

Ursula Bethell Residency in Creative Writing 2027
Located in Ōtautahi | Christchurch, Aotearoa | New Zealand

• Full-time, 37.5 hours per week
• Two 6 month fixed-term opportunities
• Competitive salary of $85,000 p.a. (pro-rated for 6 months)

Kia hiwa rā, kia hiwa rā!
He hiahia, he pūkenga nōu ki te mahi a te Ursula Bethell Writer in Residence? Nāia te pōwhiri nā Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha kia tono mai i te tūranga nei.

Āu Mahi | What You Will Do
This fixed term Residency has been created to foster New Zealand writing by providing a full-time opportunity for a writer to work on an approved writing project in an academic environment. The position is jointly funded by the University of Canterbury and Creative New Zealand, and named for New Zealand poet Ursula Bethell (1874-1945). While there are no formal duties attached to the position, it is expected that that you hold a regular on-site office hour for students, and take part in the cultural life of the University.

The residency terms are 25 January – 23 July 2027, and 26 July 2027 – 21 January 2028. Applicants should indicate which term(s) they would be available for should their application be successful.

Mōu | Who You Are
You will be able to demonstrate experience in:

• A published writer in one or more of the genres of fiction, poetry, scriptwriting, and creative non-fiction.
• Have had work published or produced by a reputable publisher or producer.
• Be an author of proven merit normally resident in New Zealand, or New Zealanders temporarily resident overseas.

Appointment will be made on the merit of the proposed writing project or projects, so applicants should provide a detailed proposal. We encourage applications from writers at all career stages.

Please note, this residency does not cover writing for film or television.

Mahi Ngātahi | Who You Will Work With
You will work with staff in the English Department including specialists in Literary Studies, Cultural Studies, and Creative Writing. For more information, please visit us here.

Ngā Painga o UC | Why UC

At UC, being part of our team means more than just a job. We are committed to supporting our kaimahi | staff’s career and wellbeing with benefits designed to help our kaimahi grow and feel connected, supported and valued.

UC’s Benefits approach is shaped by Ngā Uara | Our Values Whanaungatanga, Tiakitanga, and Manaakitanga. They are designed to be relevant, support and inspire our people, they include:

• flexible working arrangements
• supportive working environment
• a wide range of retail discounts across shopping, entertainment and travel
• on-campus staff discounts
• living in revitalised Ōtautahi | Christchurch, Aotearoa New Zealand
• a unique working environment in a beautiful campus with access to UC facilities such as UC RecCentre and Staff Club at discounted rates plus onsite cafés and eateries, and more.

For more information, please visit us: https://www.canterbury.ac.nz/about-uc/work-at-uc/benefits-working-uc

For more information about Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury, please visit https://www.canterbury.ac.nz/

The closing date for this position is: 23 August 2026 (midnight, NZ time)
Please note applications will be reviewed after the close date.

Pēhea te tono mai | How You Apply

Applications for this position must be submitted via our careers website and should include the following: a cover letter; a resume including details of published / produced writing, any relevant qualifications and awards you have received; and a separate detailed proposal for the project(s) to be undertaken during the residency. Please do not send manuscripts, extended writing samples, or other works.

Please note, we do not accept applications by email, however we are happy to answer your queries in relation to the application process, please forward these to [email protected]

Queries about the residency itself can be directed to Dr Erin Harrington, Department of English ([email protected])

Please note that the following are not eligible to apply: employees of Creative New Zealand; members of the Arts Council of NZ Toi Aotearoa, the Arts Board, Te Waka Toi and the Pacific Arts Committee; students of Tertiary institutions working towards completion of a tertiary qualification, unless that qualification will have been completed by the start of the residency; staff of the University of Canterbury or any persons who have been employed by the University for a period of 500 hours or more in the 12 months prior to the closing date for residency applications.

You must have Aotearoa New Zealand or Australian citizenship/permanent residency or hold a valid NZ work visa to be considered for this role.

Please note, this is an onsite position.