Senior education advisor

Ministry of Education; Northland; On-site; NZD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A government education agency in Northland is seeking a Senior Education Advisor to strengthen educational performance, particularly in Māori-medium education. The successful candidate will have strong analytical skills, build relationships across the sector, and possess a tertiary qualification in education or leadership. This permanent, full-time role offers an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the education system.

Qualifications

• Experience as an experienced Tumuaki or equivalent practical experience.
• Ability to develop and implement projects.
• Understanding of New Zealand's education system and legislation.

Responsibilities

• Strengthen educational performance in schools and kura.
• Support learning support interventions.
• Implement a knowledge-rich curriculum.

Skills

Strong analytical skills

Building relationships

Knowledge of Tikanga Māori

Fluency in Te Reo Māori

Education

Tertiary qualification in education or leadership

Job description

At the Ministry of Education, we work to build an education system that delivers equitable and excellent outcomes for all learners. Our people across Aotearoa come from a wide range of backgrounds, all committed to making a meaningful difference every day.

We are seeking a senior education advisor to join our Whangārei office in Te Tai Tokerau. This permanent, full-time role focuses on strengthening educational performance across schools and kura, with a particular emphasis on Māori-medium education.

You’ll play a key part in improving attendance and achievement, supporting learning support interventions, and helping implement a knowledge-rich curriculum grounded in the science of learning.

You will work alongside schools, kura, and whānau to communicate priorities, provide implementation support, monitor progress, and ensure students are engaged and thriving. You’ll draw on the Ministry’s full range of supports and interventions to help lift attendance and achievement.

About You – Mōhou ake

You will have a tertiary qualification in education or leadership, or equivalent practical experience - ideally as an experienced Tumuaki. You bring strong analytical skills, confidence working with student achievement data, and the ability to develop and implement projects.

You excel at building relationships across the sector and demonstrate in-depth knowledge of Tikanga Māori, fluency in Te Reo Māori, and an understanding of New Zealand’s education system, legislation, and curriculum. A full driver’s licence and adherence to Public Service Standards are essential.

Te Mahau – Te Tai Raro connects the Ministry with education providers, ensuring leaders and communities have the expertise, resources, and support needed to help children and young people succeed.

Interviews are expected to begin the week of 27 January 2026.

How to apply

Please apply online via our career's website.