Communications Adviser (Māori) Otago

Kumara Vine; Dunedin; On-site; NZD 81,000 - 86,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

5 weeks annual leave

6.75% superannuation

Job summary

University of Otago in Ōtape? Ōtepoti Dunedin seeks a Kaitohutohu Pāpāhā Māori to promote the Māori Strategic Framework and liaise with Māori media.

You will help tell the University’s stories, engage with communities, and support Māori staff and students to connect with learning and research opportunities. You should have a strong writing background, deep knowledge of tikanga Māori, and a passion for communications.

Qualifications

• Strong writing and storytelling abilities for multi-channel communications.
• Deep knowledge of tikanga Māori and its application to engagement.
• Proven ability to engage with a diverse range of stakeholders and communities.

Responsibilities

• Engage proactively with Māori media to share University stories.
• Promote incorporation and actioning of the Māori Strategic Framework across the University.
• Serve as a conduit between senior Māori staff and wider university community.
• Inspire Māori students and staff to engage in learning, teaching and research at Ōtākou.
• Develop strong stakeholder relationships and communicate effectively to diverse audiences.

Skills

Strong writing

Tikanga Māori

Stakeholder engagement

Media relations

Education

Bachelor's degree in communications/public relations/journalism

Job description

EXTERNAL ENGAGEMENT DIVISION | TE RINGA TORO

Who we are - Ko wai mātā

The University of Otago - ō‘tākou Whakaihu Waka is blessed with staff, students and community partners who are dedicated to Māori aspirations in Aotearoa. As well as celebrating Māori students, we are committed to enhancing the visibility of our teaching, research, and community engagement through a range of communications and other promotional activities.

Ranked within the top 1% of universities in the world, ō‘tākou Whakaihu Waka has a strong national and international reputation and a firm commitment to enhance our relationship with mana whenua through our Māori Strategic Framework.

Our purpose in Communications is to connect the University, internally and externally. We use a range of communications tools and channels to provide information to our audiences which: enhance and protect the University's reputation; raises its profile; and attracts quality students and external funding. Our members are highly experienced communicators from a range of backgrounds with a strong and positive team culture.

The role - Te mahi

Reporting directly to the Manager Media Engagement, our Kaitohutohu Pāpāhā Māori will work across the University, and promote the incorporation and actioning of the Māori Strategic Framework. This role acts as a conduit between high-level Māori staff and the wider University community and is an opportunity to inspire the next generation of Māori achievers to come learn, teach and research with us.

You will proactively engage with Māori media to share stories from the University and collaborate with them to serve their audiences and promote the University of Otago's key voices.

This role has the opportunity to make a genuine difference to Māori staff and our record numbers of Māori students and highlight how Māori can impact the future world from here.

We are looking for a communications adviser who is:

A strong writer.

Has an in-depth knowledge of tikanga Māori.

Has existing experience or a desire to develop a career in communications.

Can demonstrate the skills needed for strong stakeholder engagement.

A relevant qualification in communications, public relations, or journalism.

Preference will be given to someone who has:

Experience in communications, journalism, or public relations.

You will be an articulate and engaging communicator, with a strong customer service orientation and sense of team spirit.

We are seeking to fill one permanent, part-time position (30 hours a week), based in Ōtepoti, Dunedin

The appointment range for this role is $80,749 to $85,649 per annum (pro-rata). Top of the range is $100,776 (pro-rata).

We offer competitive salary, 5 weeks' annual leave, a 6.75% superannuation scheme, and the ability to achieve real work/life balance.

You must have the right to live and work in New Zealand to apply for this position.

Application - Tono

Applications quoting reference number 2601474 will close on Wednesday, 28 October 2026.

Applications may be reviewed as submitted. The University reserves the right to close this vacancy at any time.

Note: As a part-time position, the salary range for this role will be the pro-rata equivalent of the annual full-time salary range listed.

Equal opportunity in employment is University policy.