Writer in Residence

• Do you write in any area of literary activity?
• Are you a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident?
• Are you interested in taking part in the cultural life of the University?

Kōrero mō te tūranga - About the role 

Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington invites applications for Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington/Creative New Zealand Writer in Residence 2027. Writers in all areas of literary activity, including drama, fiction and poetry, New Zealand art, biography, history, music, society and culture, are eligible to apply. 

Please note: Film and television scriptwriting projects are not eligible.

Ō pūmanawa - About you

Applicants should be writers of proven merit and must be a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident. The Writer will have use of an office at the Pūtahi Tuhi Auaha o Te Ao - International Institute of Modern Letters (IIML). While there are no formal duties attached to the position, it is expected that the Writer will take part in the cultural life of the University.

The appointment will be for twelve months from 1 February 2027 to 31 January 2028 with a salary of $60,000.

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: 30 September 2026.

Contact details for vacancy: If you have any questions regarding this role, please email modernletters@vuw.ac.nz.

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. 

Applicants who do not have residency or citizenship and require a visa to work at the University must clearly indicate their visa status in their application and understand that if they do not have a current, relevant visa, they will need to secure this independently.

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.