Kaiakiaki | Māori Engagement Adviser - Wellington
Job Description
Are you passionate about supporting Māori student success in a culturally responsive tertiary environment?
Can you build effective relationships and communicate confidently with a wide range of stakeholders and communities?
Do you have experience applying the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi to support educational practices that strengthen equity, inclusion, and positive outcomes for tauira Māori?
Kōrero mō te tūranga - About the role
Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington is seeking to appoint a Kaiakiaki - Māori Engagement Adviser to join the Āwhina - Māori Student Support team on a permanent, full-time basis.
Based in Ngā Mokopuna, this role will provide support and engagement for tauira Māori studying in Te Wāhanga a Manaia - Faculty of Science and Engineering. Āwhina contributes to the University’s wider student support environment by strengthening Māori student connection, cultural confidence, wellbeing, and academic success.
Key responsibilities:
Providing culturally responsive support and engagement for tauira Māori.
Planning, coordinating, and delivering events, workshops, and engagement activities that support Māori student participation and success.
Applying tikanga Māori appropriately within student support and engagement activities.
Building effective working relationships and contributing to a collaborative, professional team environment.
Ō pūmanawa - About you
The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong commitment to Māori student success and an understanding of culturally responsive, relationship-based approaches to student support. They will be confident engaging with tauira Māori, whānau, staff, and key stakeholders, and will bring a professional, organised, and proactive approach to the role.
You will bring:
Demonstrated confidence supporting and engaging with Māori students from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.
Experience providing individual support, guidance, or advice, together with the ability to plan and deliver workshops, events, or engagement activities.
The ability to advocate appropriately for tauira Māori and connect them with relevant support services, staff, and opportunities.
Strong organisational skills, sound judgement, and the ability to manage competing priorities effectively in a busy work environment.
Excellent communication and collaboration skills, including the ability to build effective working relationships across diverse communities and teams.
A constructive, team-oriented approach and a commitment to contributing to an environment that supports positive outcomes for tauira Māori.
Key requirements:
Sound knowledge of tikanga Māori and the ability to apply this knowledge appropriately in a professional context.
Knowledge and understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its application within an educational environment.
Understanding of the tertiary education environment, including matters relevant to Māori student engagement, retention, and achievement.
The ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with students, colleagues, and internal and external stakeholders.
The ability to work collaboratively within a team environment while also exercising initiative and accountability for delegated areas of responsibility.
Knowledge of te reo Māori and experience working within the tertiary education sector would be advantageous.
Role Description: Click here to see further information, including salary details.
If this link is not available, click 'apply' to view this on the University careers page.
Closing date for vacancy: 1 September 2026.
Contact details for vacancy: For further information about this role, please contact Cecilia Tuiomanufili (cecilia.tuiomanufili@vuw.ac.nz).
How to apply: Please ensure you are applying for this role directly on our careers page and not via email. Candidates must submit supporting documents along with their resume, such as a cover letter.
Applicants who do not hold New Zealand residency or citizenship and require a visa to work at the University must clearly state their visa status in their application. Where an applicant does not already hold a current and relevant visa, they will be responsible for securing this independently.
Mō Te Herenga Waka - About Our University
Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington is renowned for its high-quality research and exceptional teaching. We attract people from around the world. Our university campus spans Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington - the creative, scientific and political centre of Aotearoa New Zealand - and our students thrive on the connections we have made here.
Explore the many benefits of working at Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington. Find out where you fit in our strategic direction and learn more about our research expertise.
Ētahi kōrero hai āwhina i a koe - Why you should join our team
Discover Āwhina, tauira’s support network within the Office of the DVC, Māori! Āwhina is dedicated to fostering a nurturing environment where tauira can thrive academically and personally. We offer a range of services and resources designed to support tauira’s journey, from academic mentoring to cultural guidance. Join our vibrant community where your skills and passion can truly make a difference!
