Writer in Residence - Ursula Bethell Residency in Creative Writing 2027
Christchurch, Canterbury Region, New Zealand · Full Time
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- Experience
- Any
- Salary
- NZD 42,500 – NZD 42,500 / year
- Openings
- 2
- Posted
- 18 hours ago
- Work mode
- In office
- Eligibility
- Applicants must have New Zealand or Australian citizenship, permanent residency, or a valid New Zealand work visa. Certain categories of applicants are excluded, including specific employees of Creative New Zealand, affiliated arts councils, current University of Canterbury staff with significant r…
- Resume
- Required to apply
Where you'll work
Job description
Overview
The University of Canterbury invites applications for the Ursula Bethell Residency in Creative Writing 2027, based in Ōtautahi | Christchurch, New Zealand. This full-time fixed-term position offers two six-month residencies focused on fostering New Zealand literature through a dedicated writing project within an academic setting.
Key Details
- Full-time role (37.5 hours per week)
- Two fixed-term appointments: 25 January – 23 July 2027 and 26 July 2027 – 21 January 2028
- Annual salary of NZ$85,000, pro-rated for six months
Responsibilities
While the residency involves no formal obligations, the resident is expected to maintain regular onsite office hours to support students and participate actively in the cultural life of the University.
Who Should Apply
- A published author with experience in fiction, poetry, scriptwriting, or creative non-fiction
- Work must have been published or produced by a reputable organization
- Applicants must normally reside in New Zealand or be New Zealanders temporarily living overseas
- Applicants should submit a detailed proposal for their intended writing project(s), which will be the basis for appointment
- Applications from writers at all stages of their careers are encouraged
- Writing projects for film or television are excluded
Collaborations
The resident will engage with faculty from the English Department, including experts in Literary Studies, Cultural Studies, and Creative Writing.
Benefits
- Flexible working conditions
- A supportive and engaging working environment
- Varied retail discounts across shopping, entertainment, and travel
- On-campus staff discounts and access to university facilities such as the RecCentre and Staff Club at reduced rates
- Located in the revitalized city of Christchurch with beautiful campus amenities including cafés and eateries
Additional Information
- The residency is jointly funded by the University of Canterbury and Creative New Zealand, honoring poet Ursula Bethell (1874-1945)
- Applicants must have New Zealand or Australian citizenship/permanent residency or valid New Zealand work visa
- Position is onsite only
- Certain individuals are ineligible, including employees and members associated with Creative New Zealand, tertiary students yet to complete their qualification by residency start, and recent University of Canterbury employees exceeding 500 hours in the last 12 months
- Applications must include a cover letter, CV with publication and award details, and a separate detailed writing project proposal. Manuscripts or extended writing samples are not requested
- Application deadline is 23 August 2026 (midnight NZ time)