David Eggleton (56) said he planned to use his time at the centre to carry out research and write.
He will work on a collection of poems drawing on Polynesian myths and legends.
Eggleton is one of two prominent New Zealand writers selected for the post.
The other is Wellington poet, fiction writer, editor and biographer Vincent O'Sullivan.
O'Sullivan, who has published an extensive range of poetry, fiction and drama, as well as academic books, is working on a biography of Port Chalmers artist Ralph Hotere.
The residencies have an associated stipend of $8000 each and are funded by the Michael King Writers Centre and Creative New Zealand.
The centre aims to support New Zealand writers and to promote New Zealand literature by securing funds for residencies, organising literary events and programmes for writers.
Nine writers have had the opportunity to stay at the centre for periods of between six weeks and six months since the project was launched in 2005.
Eggleton plans to take his residency between April and June.
