Māori Counsellor

Unitec; Auckland; Hybrid; NZD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The Māia Māori Centre at Manukau Institute of Technology and Unitec invites applications for a Casual Māori Counsellor (Kaiārahi). You will deliver culturally responsive counselling and wellbeing support to ākonga Māori across Waitākere and Mt Albert campuses, with online and in-person options to reach learners regionally.

As a registered counselling professional, you will work within kaupapa Māori frameworks, partner with Unitec teams, and strengthen culturally diverse learner outcomes while

Qualifications

• Registration with a recognised professional counselling body (e.g. NZAC)
• Proven experience delivering professional counselling services
• Experience working within a kaupapa Māori environment and culturally responsive practice
• Strong communication and collaboration skills

Responsibilities

• Provide culturally responsive counselling and wellbeing support to ākonga Māori
• Support ākonga navigating personal, academic and wellbeing challenges
• Collaborate with Unitec teams to strengthen culturally responsive practice
• Engage with internal and external support providers to ensure appropriate pathways for learners

Skills

Counselling

Culturally responsive practice

Relationship building

Education

Relevant tertiary qualification in counselling or related discipline

Job description

Whakairohia he toki, tāraia te anamata | Learning with purpose, creating our futures

A new era in vocational education is unfolding in Tāmaki Makaurau. Manukau Institute of Technology and Unitec, two trusted institutions with over 50 years of service, are coming together to create a unified, future-focused learning environment. This transformation is about more than education; it’s about building an inclusive system that reflects the aspirations of our diverse communities, industries, and Māori across the region.

Te āheinga: The opportunity

Join the Māia Māori Centre as a Casual Māori Counsellor (Kaiārahi), providing culturally responsive counselling and wellbeing support to ākonga Māori. Working across the Waitākere and Mt Albert campuses, with the potential to support learners across Tāmaki through online and in-person services, you will help ākonga navigate personal, academic, and wellbeing challenges while upholding the mana of individuals, whānau, and communities.

As a registered counselling professional, you will deliver high-quality counselling services grounded in therapeutic, clinical, and hauora Māori approaches. You will also provide guidance to Unitec teams supporting ākonga Māori, helping to strengthen culturally responsive practice and learner outcomes. This is a rewarding opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the success and wellbeing of Māori learners within a collaborative and values-driven environment.

Please refer to the Position Description for further information about the role.

You’ll have:

• An understanding or desire to learn te reo Māori, tikanga Māori, and the values and practices of kaupapa Māori
• Evidence of active engagement in building diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplaces/environments
• Registration with a recognised professional counselling body (e.g. NZAC or equivalent) and a relevant tertiary qualification in counselling or a related discipline.
• Proven experience delivering professional counselling services, including supporting individuals through complex personal, academic, and wellbeing challenges.
• Demonstrated experience working within a kaupapa Māori environment and a commitment to culturally responsive practice.
• Strong knowledge of tikanga Māori and the ability to apply Māori values and practices appropriately across diverse contexts.
• Experience applying holistic hauora Māori models of mental health and wellbeing through individual and group-based support.
• Ability to build trusted relationships and establish effective professional rapport with ākonga, whānau, communities, and support networks.
• Experience advocating for and supporting people from diverse cultural backgrounds.
• Strong communication skills, including the ability to explain counselling approaches and wellbeing support options clearly and effectively.
• Excellent planning, organisation, and time management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams and contribute positively to a supportive and inclusive environment.
• Experience working in, or alongside, an educational setting, particularly in a counselling or student support capacity.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with internal and external support providers to ensure culturally appropriate pathways for learners.
• Knowledge of current issues, trends, and developments within the tertiary education sector.
• Additional qualifications, specialist training, or equivalent experience relevant to counselling, mental health, wellbeing, or Māori student success initiatives.
• Experience providing cultural capability guidance or supporting teams to enhance culturally responsive practice.

Why you’ll love working with us

Manukau Institute of Technology and Unitec is committed to learning with purpose and creating futures for our learners and communities. We value strong governance, collaboration, and wellbeing, and we are committed to honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

To be eligible for this role, applicants must have the legal right to work in Aotearoa New Zealand (such as New Zealand citizenship or permanent residency).

Applications close on 11 th of October 2026 at 11:55 pm.

Manukau Institute of Technology and Unitec are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We welcome and celebrate diversity and are committed to building a supportive and inclusive environment for all.