Emerging Pasifika Writer in Residence

Kōrero mō te tūranga - About the role

Te Pūtahi Tuhi Auaha o Te Ao - International Institute of Modern Letters at Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington invite applications from Pasifika writers in all areas of literary activity, excluding writing for film or television, for the Emerging Pasifika Writer in Residence. The Residency is for a period of 3 months in the second half of 2026.

Applicants should be writers at an early stage of their career, with a growing body of work, and must be either New Zealand citizens or hold permanent residency. Applications from small groups or collectives will also be considered, although the resources remain the same as for an individual writer.

There is a writer’s stipend of $15,000, a space to write and creative support. You will spend the three months working on your latest project with backing from Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington’s renowned creative writing school and Creative New Zealand during the second half of 2026.

In consultation with the successful applicant, a Mentor from the Pasifika arts community will be sought. The terms of the mentorship are to be agreed between the Writer, the Mentor, and the Te Pūtahi Tuhi Auaha o Te Ao - International Institute of Modern Letters as appropriate.

There is no restriction on the occupation of applicants, but they should not be full-time employees of Creative New Zealand or Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington, nor have been employed by Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington on a full-time basis in the twelve months prior to the closing date.