Kaiakiaki | Māori Engagement Adviser

Māori Engagement Adviser

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?

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.

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.

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!