Kaitakawaenga Māori | Māori Future Student Adviser

Victoria University of Wellington; Wellington; On-site; NZD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Victoria University of Wellington – Kelburn campus seeks a permanent, full-time Kaitakawaenga Māori to join the Future Students team. The role supports Māori participation in higher education by engaging with prospective students, whānau, schools and communities across Aotearoa New Zealand.

You will promote programmes, provide culturally responsive advice, and support Māori student journeys from interest to enrolment.

Qualifications

• A relevant tertiary qualification.
• Competency in te reo Māori and tikanga Māori.
• Experience providing accurate, tailored advice to a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Strong relationship management and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Experience using CRM systems, databases and reporting tools.
• Willingness to travel regionally and nationally.

Responsibilities

• Provide accurate, culturally responsive course and pathway advice to prospective Māori students and whānau through appointments, events, school visits and digital channels.
• Deliver presentations, information sessions and engagement activities that promote Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington and its programmes, services and opportunities.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with secondary schools, kaiako Māori, community organisations and other stakeholders.
• Support the planning and delivery of Māori recruitment programmes, school visits, events and on-campus experiences (regional and national travel).
• Assist with the coordination and support of Māori Future Student Ambassadors.
• Maintain accurate records of engagement and recruitment activity in Kurawai and contribute to reporting and programme evaluation.
• Work collaboratively with faculties and professional staff to support Māori student recruitment, participation and enrolment objectives.

Skills

Te reo Māori

Presentation skills

Stakeholder engagement

Event planning

CRM systems

Education

Relevant tertiary qualification

Tools

Kurawai

Databases & reporting tools

Job description

Victoria University of Wellington – Kelburn, North Island

• Can you plan and deliver successful events, workshops, and engagement activities?


• Are you highly organised and take pride in providing exceptional support and guidance?


• Do you have strong presentation and communication skills, with confidence engaging both small and large groups?

Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington is seeking a permanent, full-time Kaitakawaenga Māori - Māori Future Student Adviser to join the Future Students team.

This role plays an important part in supporting Māori participation in higher education by engaging with prospective students, whānau, schools and communities across Aotearoa New Zealand. Working closely with the Kaitakawaenga Māori - Senior Māori Future Student Adviser, you will promote the University's programmes and opportunities, provide culturally responsive course advice, build meaningful relationships with key stakeholders, and support Māori students on their journey from initial interest through to enrolment.

Working collaboratively across the University, you will contribute to Māori recruitment initiatives, help deliver impactful engagement programmes and events, and support the University's commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Māori student success.

Key responsibilities:

• Provide accurate, culturally responsive course and pathway advice to prospective Māori students and their whānau through appointments, events, school visits and digital channels.


• Deliver presentations, information sessions and engagement activities that promote Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington and its programmes, services and opportunities.


• Build and maintain positive relationships with secondary schools, kaiako Māori, community organisations and other stakeholders.


• Support the planning and delivery of Māori recruitment programmes, school visits, events and on-campus experiences. This can include regional and national travel.


• Assist with the coordination and support of Māori Future Student Ambassadors.


• Maintain accurate records of engagement and recruitment activity in Kurawai and contribute to reporting and programme evaluation.


• Work collaboratively with faculties and professional staff to support Māori student recruitment, participation and enrolment objectives.

The ideal candidate will:

• Be passionate about supporting Māori learners and helping students and whānau make informed decisions about their future.


• Enjoy building relationships, engaging with communities, and delivering information in a way that is accessible, culturally responsive and meaningful.


• Be a confident communicator who is comfortable presenting to a wide range of audiences, from individual students and whānau through to large school and community groups.


• Enjoy working collaboratively, are highly organised, and take pride in providing exceptional support and guidance.


• Come from a tertiary education, student support, recruitment, community engagement, education outreach or customer-facing background and will have a genuine commitment to Māori student success and educational equity.

Key requirements:

• A relevant tertiary qualification.


• Competency in te reo Māori and tikanga Māori, with the ability to apply these appropriately when engaging with Māori students, whānau, schools, iwi, hapū and communities.


• Experience providing accurate, tailored advice and guidance to a diverse range of stakeholders.


• Strong relationship management and stakeholder engagement skills.


• Strong presentation and communication skills, including confidence speaking to both small and large groups.


• Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities and work independently to achieve outcomes.


• Experience using CRM systems, databases and reporting tools to maintain records and inform decision-making.


• Proven ability to plan and deliver events, presentations and engagement activities.


• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to use data to identify opportunities and improve performance.


• Knowledge of the tertiary education sector and student recruitment lifecycle, particularly postgraduate pathways, would be an advantage.


• A commitment to Māori student success, participation and educational equity.

We can only consider applicants who are citizens or residents of New Zealand or Australia or on a current working visa. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and we may progress with suitable applicants prior to the application closing date. Applications from recruitment agencies are not accepted.

Close date for vacancy:23 September 2026.

Contact details for vacancy:If you have any questions regarding this role please get in touch with Senior Māori Future Student Adviser, Te Mapihi Tutua-Nathan (***************@vuw.ac.nz).