Senior Māori Research Programmer

Auckland Council; Auckland; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 92,000; Full time

Job summary

Auckland Council is seeking a Senior Māori Research Programmer to lead region-wide initiatives that create meaningful opportunities for whānau Māori to engage with whakapapa research and mātauranga Māori.

You will build trusted partnerships, connect whānau with whakapapa and taonga, and strengthen connections to whakapapa, identity and taonga across Tāmaki Makaurau while supporting whānau, hapū and iwi to contribute to and grow mātauranga Māori.

Qualifications

• A relevant tertiary qualification in library and information studies, Māori development, Arts, Māori research or a related discipline.
• Five to seven years' experience in a creative, customer service or galleries, libraries, archives and museums environment.
• Experience working alongside Māori communities, with a strong understanding of the issues and aspirations important to Māori.
• Intermediate proficiency in te reo Māori, or a genuine commitment to developing your capability, along with confidence engaging with tikanga Māori and the political sensitivity to work flexibly, pragmatically and adaptably.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end initiatives that strengthen whānau leadership, confidence and capability in mātauranga Māori and whakapapa research.
• Explore research and heritage collections to identify mātauranga māori and develop engaging, culturally relevant content and engagement opportunities for whānau.
• Build community and professional networks to increase participation, promote collections and influence professional practice.
• Contribute to the journey of māori reconnecting with their whakapapa māori.

Skills

Te reo Māori

Mātauranga Māori

Relationship-building

Education

Library and information studies

Māori development

Arts or Māori research

Job description

• Build trusted partnerships with Māori communities


• Connect whānau with whakapapa and taonga


• Salary between $90K - $92K

As Senior Māori Research Programmer, you will lead the development of region-wide initiatives that create meaningful opportunities for whānau Māori to engage with whakapapa research and mātauranga Māori. Through trusted partnerships, community engagement and innovative activations, you will improve access to research and heritage collections, support whānau, hapū and iwi to contribute to and grow mātauranga Māori, and strengthen enduring connections to whakapapa, identity and taonga across Tāmaki Makaurau.

What you can expect to work on includes:

• Lead end-to-end initiatives that strengthen whānau leadership, confidence and capability in mātauranga Māori and whakapapa research.


• Explore research and heritage collections to identify mātauranga māori and develop engaging, culturally relevant content and engagement opportunities for whānau.


• Build community and professional networks to increase participation, promote collections and influence professional practice.


• Contribute to the journey of māori reconnecting with their whakapapa māori.

You will bring strong capability in te reo Māori me ōna tikanga, a broad understanding of mātauranga Māori and confidence applying kaupapa māori within a professional environment. Your understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its practical application within public institutions will be supported by experience in Māori research and the ability to interpret mātauranga Māori requests appropriately. Highly organised, proactive and solutions-focused, you will possess excellent planning, communication and relationship-building skills. You will also be comfortable engaging with māori communities, tamariki and rangatahi while connecting mātauranga māori with professional research standards.

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

• A relevant tertiary qualification in library and information studies, Māori development, Arts, Māori research or a related discipline.


• Five to seven years' experience in a creative, customer service or galleries, libraries, archives and museums environment.


• Experience working alongside Māori communities, with a strong understanding of the issues and aspirations important to Māori.


• Intermediate proficiency in te reo Māori, or a genuine commitment to developing your capability, along with confidence engaging with tikanga Māori and the political sensitivity to work flexibly, pragmatically and adaptably.

Auckland Council is one of the largest local authorities in the South Pacific, providing essential services and facilities to more than 1.5 million people. We are committed to environmental action and delivering a transformational shift for Māori living in Tāmaki Makaurau.

In return for your hard work, you can expect a flexible and supportive work environment and lots of opportunities for growth and development. You’ll work with a team of remarkable and talented professionals who have a passion for hāpori Māori. On top of this, as part of our Auckland Council Group, you will gain access to many benefits and discounts.

Applications close Wednesday Sunday 30 August 2026

Auckland Council is an equal opportunity employer. We serve the diverse communities of Tāmaki Makaurau and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds - regardless of gender, ethnicity, age, educational background, or religious beliefs. We also welcome applications from our Rainbow communities as well as disabled and neurodivergent people. We are committed to making our hiring process accessible to everyone. If you require any support or adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, please let us know.