Chan Family Residency

Kelburn, Wellington, New Zealand (On-site)

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Job Description

• Have you got a project that contributes to or enhances our understanding of Chinese Aotearoa?
• Are you interested in spending one month conducting research and participating in the dynamic life of Wai-te-ata Press?
• Do you have proven research experience and wish to make use of our rich archives of relevant materials and/or resident expertise?

Kōrero mō te tūranga - About the role

The Dan and Una Chan & Laywood and Joyce Chan Residency at Wai-te-ata Press

Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington is inviting applications for the Dan and Una Chan & Laywood and Joyce Chan Residency at Wai-te-ata Press, funded by the Chan Family Trust.

This one-month residency focuses on projects that enhance understandings of and engagement with Chinese Aotearoa, whether historical, social, cultural, literary or, more broadly, the fabrics of life such as gardens, buildings, foodways, etc. Projects need not be explicitly related to the set of Chinese character metal type owned by the Dominion Federation of New Zealand Chinese Commercial Growers and now on long-term loan to the Wai-te-ata Press | Studio of the Waters of Dawn | 曉水齋 but should make use of the rich Wellington-based archives of relevant materials and/or resident expertise.

During their residency, recipients will also be expected to participate in public-facing events related to their project, whether lecture, exhibition, screening, workshop, etc., meet the donor, and report to the donor on their project. The one-month residency can be undertaken between November 2026 and February 2027.

Ō pūmanawa - About you

This residency is open to individuals or groups of postgraduate students, artistic or creative practitioners, community members, visiting scholars, and other interested parties. The successful candidate/s will have proven research experience and propose a project that contributes to or enhances our understanding of Chinese Aotearoa.

Application documents required:

1. A project proposal (maximum 1 page or 750 words) that clearly relates to the focus of the residency, plus project budget and timeline.
2. A sample portfolio that demonstrates your previous research experience.
3. A CV of the lead researcher or group members.

Terms and conditions: Click here to see further information, including remuneration details.

If this link is not available, click 'apply' to view this on the University careers page.

Close date for vacancy: 04 August 2026.

Contact details for vacancy: If you have any questions regarding this role please get in touch with Dr Sydney Shep, Wai-te-ata Press (wtapress@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, and the documents noted above. Please ensure you check the above linked terms and conditions document before applying.

We can only consider applicants who are citizens or residents of New Zealand or Australia or on a current working visa. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and we may progress with suitable applicants prior to the application closing date. Applications from recruitment agencies are not accepted.

Ētahi kōrero hai āwhina i a koe - Why you should join our team

Wai-te-ata Press is a unique letterpress teaching, research, and publishing centre at Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington. Its Studio of the Waters of Dawn曉水齋 hosts the only working collection of full form Chinese characters in the southern hemisphere. We are deeply committed to recovering lost or forgotten histories of Chinese Aotearoa and stimulating vibrant new pathways for inquiry and community engagement. The Dan and Una Chan & Laywood and Joyce Chan Residency at Wai-te-ata Press will enable a researcher or research team to spend one month to conduct research and participate in the dynamic life of Wai-te-ata Press at Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington.

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.

Apply Now

Job Info

• Job Identification 1009661
• Job Category Professional
• Posting Date 05/27/2026, 09:19 PM
• Apply Before 08/04/2026, 11:55 AM
• Job Schedule Part time
• Locations Murphy Building, Kelburn Parade, Wellington, 6012, NZ (On-site)