Dean of Postgraduate Research
Vice-Chancellor’s Office
Extension: 7285
Email:
lucy.johnston@canterbury.ac.nz
Summer Research Scholarship Scheme
2015-2016
Project Application Form
Please complete and submit the application form as a WORD document and send to
summerscholarships@canterbury.ac.nz
The Project
Title of Project (max 30 words): An Oral History of Twenty-First Century Irish Migration to
Christchurch
Project Leader(s): A/Prof Lyndon Fraser/Dr Jane Buckingham
Host Department/Organization:
UC Centre for Oral History (College of Arts)
Other persons involved in this topic/activity:
(List other significant members involved along with their affiliation to the research project.)
Name
Affiliation to project
Brief outline of project
This project uses an oral history methodology to illuminate the social worlds of recent Irish
migrants – from the Republic and Northern Ireland – to post-quake Christchurch. It explores a series
of critical historical questions at the heart of research into human mobility: why did Irish people to
make the decision to move here? What did they attain afterwards? In what ways did transnational,
local and faith-based associational networks shape their mobility and adaptation? How might we
best describe and explain their experiences?
Aims
• To provide the first detailed examination of Irish migration to post-quake Christchurch.
• To systematically investigate a series of questions relating to three principal themes of the wider
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project: (a) patterns of mobility (including return) (b) adaptation and adjustment and (c) identities,
gender and ethnicity.
• To locate and present the research findings within the broader contexts of Irish diaspora and
migration histories.
• To record and transcribe 10+ oral histories that will be archived with CEISMIC and in the
Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington.
Outputs
1. 10+ oral histories recorded, transcribed and archived.
2. One jointly written scholarly article to be submitted to an international oral history journal.
3. A substantial contribution to the wider comparative project (see below) which will result in a
scholarly monograph.
If the project involves work away from the University campus (e.g., at fieldwork sites) please detail
all locations.
Yes – the oral histories will be recorded in the Christchurch homes of informants, as stipulated in
the HEC documentation.
If the student be required to work outside of normal university hours (8am-5pm) please provide
details
There will be occasions where the oral histories are recorded during weekends or evenings.
Benefits student will gain from involvement in the project
Describe the research experience and skills that the student will acquire through involvement in this research project –
maximum of 100 words.
The student will would become a fully trained oral historian with the ability to work professionally
in this capacity in the future. It would suit a student considering a career in the heritage or museum
sectors. The interviewing skills acquired here will also be transposable to other professional
contexts (e.g. journalism).
Specific student requirements
Please provide details of all requirements you have for the student to work on this project – for example, if specific
courses/experience are necessary.
The successful candidate will need to be an excellent communicator and listener. They will have a
background in history (or a related discipline); possess an engaging and dynamic personality; and
must have their own transport. Existing connections with recent Irish migrants and/or Irish
organisations would be a clear advantage.
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