An award has been set up to enable a New Zealand writer of fiction, poetry, drama or serious non-fiction to become the University’s Writer in Residence in 2018.

This award was created to foster New Zealand writing by providing a full-time opportunity for a writer to work in an academic environment. It is sponsored jointly by the University of Waikato and Creative New Zealand Toi Aotearoa and is administered by the University of Waikato and should always be referred to as the University of Waikato/Creative New Zealand Residency.

The selection of the successful writer will result from a recommendation made by a committee comprising members of the staff of the University of Waikato and of Creative New Zealand Creative New Zealand Toi Aotearoa.

Applicants should be authors of proven merit, normally a resident in New Zealand, or New Zealanders temporarily residing overseas. There is no restriction on the occupation of applicants, but the following persons are not eligible to apply: employees of Creative New Zealand, members of the Arts Council, The Arts Board, Te Waka Toi and the Pacific Arts Committee, students of tertiary institutions working towards the completion of a tertiary qualification, staff of the University of Waikato or any persons who have been employed by the University of Waikato in the 12 months prior to the nominated closing date for residency applications and previous University of Waikato Writers in Residence.

Candidates should be New Zealand citizens or in possession of a Permanent Residence Visa. The Writer will be expected to reside in Hamilton for the period of this appointment.
It is expected that the Writer will take up the appointment in January 2018. The award is tenable for twelve months. The taxable income will be $52,000

The Writer will be provided with office space and computer facilities in the English Programme in the School of Arts and will be given access to university facilities including the university library. The Writer will be able to make use of the Michael King Writers’ Retreat in Opoutere for up to two weeks during this award (current market value $3,000). The specifics of this stay would be negotiated with the successful Writer.

While it is not expected that the Writer will undertake any teaching during the term of this appointment, it is expected that the Writer will participate in the cultural life and vibrancy of the university.
Within 3 months of completion of the Writer’s term of residence, the Writer will be required to provide a report, of which a copy will be given to the University of Waikato and to Creative New Zealand Toi Aotearoa.

Applications should include:
1. Full name and address.
2. Details of published writing and work in progress.
3. Outline of writing project(s) to be undertaken during the period of appointment.
4. Present position and date by which you are able to commence the residency if offered the award.
5. Details of any writing qualifications and awards.
Direct enquiries may be made to Assoc. Prof. Sarah Shieff, telephone 07 8384466 extension 8425, email: sarah.shieff@waikato.ac.nz

Applications are to be made on the University of Waikato application form available from our website www.jobs.waikato.ac.nz
Vacancy Number: 370298

Applications close on Friday, 29 September 2017 (NZ time).