Associate Director Pou Matāuranga

University of Waikato; Hamilton; On-site; NZD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Waikato in Hamilton seeks an experienced Māori educational leader to join the Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic as Associate Director Pou Mātauranga. This role shapes university-wide academic practice, embedding mātauranga Māori and Te Tiriti across teaching and assessment.

You will provide strategic Māori leadership, collaborate with academic leaders, and translate priorities into practical approaches that promote equitable student outcomes.

Qualifications

• Significant experience providing Māori leadership, advice or practice support within a tertiary or comparable environment.
• Strong understanding of embedding mātauranga Māori and Te Tiriti in academic practice.
• Excellent relationship management, influencing and communication skills.
• Experience working with academic leaders, staff and Māori communities.

Responsibilities

• Provide Māori educational expertise and strategic advice across the Academic Excellence portfolio.
• Advance bicultural curriculum design and integration of Māori knowledge in programmes.
• Support staff to develop culturally responsive and Te Tiriti-informed teaching and assessment practices.
• Lead the development of guidelines for assessments submitted in te reo Māori.
• Build partnerships with key academic leaders and Māori communities.

Skills

Māori leadership

Strategic advisory

Relationship management

Communication

Education

Postgraduate qualification

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

University of Waikato – Hamilton, North Island

Ko wai koe?

Lead the University’s student success and resolution services, helping students transition, persist and achieve across their studies.

• Embed mātauranga Māori through teaching, curriculum and assessment
• Expand your leadership, influence and higher education impact
• Join a university advancing equity, partnership and student success

The University of Waikato is seeking an experienced and influential Māori educational leader to join the Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic as Associate Director Pou Mātauranga.

This is a unique opportunity to shape university-wide academic practice by advancing the meaningful integration of mātauranga Māori, tikanga Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi across teaching, curriculum design and assessment. Working across disciplines and alongside academic leaders, Māori stakeholders and the Teaching Design and Innovation Studio, you will help translate the University’s Academic and Student Success priorities into practical, culturally grounded approaches that support equitable outcomes for all students.

Key responsibilities include:

• Providing Māori educational expertise, strategic advice and leadership across the Academic Excellence portfolio.
• Advancing bicultural curriculum design and the integration of Māori knowledge and perspectives within academic programmes.
• Supporting academic staff to develop culturally responsive, inclusive and Te Tiriti-informed teaching and assessment practices.
• Leading the development of guidelines and processes for assessments submitted in te reo Māori.
• Building strong partnerships with Associate Deans Academic, Associate Deans Māori, Heads of School, academic staff and Māori communities.
• Contributing to a collaborative, values-driven culture that aligns with University quality assurance and governance expectations.

Salary will be provided based on skills, knowledge and experience brought to the position. This is a full-time role (37.5 hours a week), based on our Hillcrest Campus in Hamilton. For more information on the role please see the position description.

Ko wai koe? – Who are you?

You will bring significant experience providing Māori leadership, advice or practice support within a tertiary or comparable environment, together with a strong understanding of how mātauranga Māori and Te Tiriti can be embedded in academic practice.

To be successful in this role you will have:

• A postgraduate qualification in a relevant field, or equivalent experience.
• Demonstrated experience supporting teaching, curriculum development or academic practice, ideally within higher education.
• Experience supporting others to apply Te Tiriti principles in teaching, curriculum and assessment.
• Excellent relationship management, influencing and communication skills.
• Experience working effectively with academic leaders, staff and Māori communities.
• Fluency in te reo Māori, both written and oral.

You will also be a strategic and solutions-focused thinker who can translate vision into effective action, foster collaboration across diverse groups, and uphold the cultural integrity and values of the University.

Don’t meet every single requirement?
Research shows that some people are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every qualification. At The University of Waikato, we’re committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and genuine workplace. So, if you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t perfectly match every listed qualification, we still encourage you to apply. You might be just the right person for this or another opportunity on our team.

Ko wai mātou? – Who are we?

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic Division provides strategic leadership for academic quality, teaching excellence, curriculum coherence and assessment integrity across the University.

The University of Waikato is a research-intensive university with a globally connected and inclusive student experience. We are guided by our commitment to partnership with Māori, integrity, diversity and creativity, and we place a high value on Indigenous knowledge and meaningful community engagement.

He aha ngā take me tono mai ai koe? – Why should you apply for this position?

We want you to be part of our success! Our university stands proudly on the world stage as a provider of future-focused, international education and an active player in global research. Our rankings reflect these strengths. Working with us means you’ll enjoy a satisfying work environment with many benefits.

The University of Waikato is distinctive for the diversity of its staff and students and encourages applicants with the relevant capabilities from all backgrounds to apply. Applicants must have the legal right to live and work in NZ in accordance with the NZ Immigration regulations which can be found here.

Ko te Tangata – For the People

The University of Waikato prides itself on the quality of its engagement with the communities that it serves, the provision of a world-class education and the national and international impact of its research. Our policies are guided by the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi and equal opportunity for all.

Applications Close Monday 14th September, 2026.