University of Waikato / Creative New Zealand
A 10-month full-time writing residency at the University of Waikato in Hamilton, offering $63,700 to a NZ writer of fiction, poetry, drama, non-fiction, or lite
The Kaipukahu Writer in Residence is a prestigious 10-month, full-time residency at the University of Waikato in Hamilton, jointly sponsored by the University and Creative New Zealand. Named after the abundant landscape surrounding the ancient Ngāti Wairere whare wānanga Te Tiwhaopareiriwhare — where the University now stands — the residency honours the tradition of nourishing the mind, soul, and heart.
The residency is open to New Zealand writers working in fiction, poetry, drama, or non-fiction, as well as literary translators of te reo Māori. Applications are welcomed in both te reo Māori and English.
The successful writer will take up the appointment in early February 2027, with the residency running through to November 2027. The taxable income is $63,700. You'll be based in Te Kura Toi School of Arts, with access to a desk, computing facilities, and the university library.
While no formal teaching is required, you'll be encouraged to participate in the cultural life of the university — this might include talking to local community groups and secondary schools, joining creative writing classes, attending literary festivals, and engaging in interdisciplinary conversations with staff and students. Optional paid activities such as an open lecture or writing masterclasses may also be arranged.
Applicants must be authors of proven merit, normally resident in New Zealand (or New Zealanders temporarily overseas), and must hold New Zealand citizenship or a Permanent Residence Visa. Previous University of Waikato Writers in Residence, current university staff, Creative NZ employees, Arts Council members, and students working towards a tertiary qualification are not eligible.
Your application should include
1. Full name and contact details
2. A CV with details of published work, residencies, and awards
3. An outline of the writing project(s) you plan to pursue
4. A writing sample or work-in-progress extract (max 3,000 words)
5. Your earliest available start date
For enquiries, contact Hannah Stark at hannah.stark@waikato.ac.nz or Catherine Chidgey at catherine.chidgey@waikato.ac.nz.
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