Kaitakawaenga Māori | Māori Future Student Adviser

JobSpace; Wellington; On-site; NZD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington is seeking a permanent, full-time Kaitakawaenga Māori to join the Future Students team. You will engage with prospective Māori students, whānau, schools and communities across Aotearoa New Zealand, promoting programmes and opportunities while upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi and student success.

The role involves delivering information sessions, building relationships with schools and communities, coordinating recruitment programmes, and

Qualifications

• Relevant tertiary qualification.
• Ability to apply te reo Māori and tikanga Māori in engagement with students and communities.
• Experience giving tailored, accurate guidance to diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Provide culturally responsive course and pathway advice to prospective Māori students and whānau.
• Deliver information sessions and engagement activities to promote the university and its programmes.
• Build strong relationships with schools, kaiako Māori, and communities.
• Assist with planning and delivery of recruitment programmes and events, including regional/national travel.
• Coordinate Māori Future Student Ambassadors and maintain engagement records in Kurawai.
• Collaborate with faculties to support Maori student recruitment, participation and enrolment objectives.

Skills

Te Reo Māori & tikanga Māori

Stakeholder engagement

Presentation skills

CRM experience

Event coordination

Data analysis

Tertiary education sector knowledge

Project management

Bilingual communication

Education

Tertiary qualification

Tools

CRM software

Job description

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 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.

Close date for vacancy: 23 September 2026.