VetMAP Kaiarahi/Coordinator

Massey University - Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa

Palmerston North

On-site

NZD 71,000 - 101,000

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Employer pension contribution

University holidays

Healthcare plan

Job summary

Massey University – Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa in Palmerston North invites applications for a Kaiarahi/Coordinator to support Maori and Pacific akonga through veterinary education. The role focuses on recruitment, admission, wellbeing and academic success within VetMAP on the Manawatu campus.

You will build partnerships with schools, whanau and services, deliver engagement activities, coordinate mentoring and cultural experiences, and contribute to a more equitable student pathway.

Qualifications

A tertiary degree is required or equivalent.
Demonstrated ability to work with diverse communities.

Responsibilities

Promote engagement and coordinate activities to support Maori and Pacific akonga.
Build strong relationships with akonga, whanau, schools, and communities.
Coordinate student engagement initiatives (orientation, noho marae, hui, study groups).
Monitor progress and collaborate with support services to strengthen wellbeing and academic success.
Collaborate with internal and external partners to develop initiatives for participation and success.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Coaching

Advocacy

Engagement

Facilitation

Coordination

Collaboration

Communication

Networking

Relationship-building

Recruitment

Retention

Wellbeing

Support

Guidance

Empathy

Inclusivity

Equity

whakawhanaungatanga

Administration

Organisation

Planning

Initiative

Judgement

Professionalism

Stakeholder-management

Community-engagement

Programme-management

Event-management

Student-success

Pastoral-care

Advising

Problem-solving

Microsoft365

Reporting

Monitoring

Outreach

Partnership-building

Education

Tertiary degree

Job description

The VetMAP kaupapa supports Maori and Indigenous Pacific akonga (students) on their journey into and through veterinary education. Tawharau Ora/School of Veterinary Science is looking for someone with proven excellence in working with a diverse range of people for the role of Kaiarahi/Coordinator. This is a permanent, full-time position based on the Manawatu campus in Palmerston North.

Mo tenei turanga mahi | About the role

This rewarding role is dedicated to increasing Maori and Pacific participation, success, and wellbeing within veterinary science. Working closely with akonga, whanau, schools, communities, and university stakeholders, you will provide culturally responsive support from recruitment and admission through to graduation. Through relationship building, academic and pastoral support, and the facilitation of meaningful cultural connections, you will help create an environment where akonga feel a strong sense of belonging and are empowered to achieve their goals.

Promote the VetMAP admission pathway and engage with prospective Maori and Pacific akonga, schools, and communities to support informed pathways into veterinary science.
Build strong, positive relationships with akonga, providing guidance, encouragement, and holistic support throughout their academic journey.
Coordinate and deliver key student engagement initiatives, including orientation activities, noho marae, hui, study groups, and tuakana-teina programmes.
Monitor progress and work proactively with akonga and support services to strengthen academic success, retention, and wellbeing.
Collaborate with colleagues across the University and external partners to develop innovative initiatives that enhance participation and success outcomes for Maori and Pacific students.
Foster whakawhanaungatanga and facilitate cultural experiences that strengthen identity, connection, and belonging within the veterinary student community.
Liaise with whanau and a range of student support services to ensure akonga receive timely and appropriate academic, pastoral, and wellbeing support.
Contribute to the administration and continuous improvement of the VetMAP admission pathway and student success programmes.

Mou | About you

Our ideal candidate is someone who is warm, grounded and easy to talk to, with the kind of presence that helps rangatahi feel seen, supported and also gently challenged when needed. You will bring a strong cultural identity and grounding in te ao Maori, alongside genuine care for akonga and their whanau.

You will also have:

a tertiary degree
strong relationship skills
sound judgement to handle sensitive situations with care and professionalism
high-level organisational skills and strong attention to detail
strong proficiency using Microsoft Office and other digital systems.

Ko nga hua o te turanga? | What's in it for you?

This is a rare opportunity to combine kaupapa, connection and practical impact. You will build meaningful relationships with akonga and whanau, work alongside a supportive network of colleagues and communities, and contribute directly to a more equitable and culturally affirming pathway into veterinary education. You will have scope to bring your own ideas, initiative and personality to a role where your work will genuinely matter.

You will also receive up to 6.75% employer contribution to the UniSaver Superannuation Scheme, five university holidays each year, and a subsidised Southern Cross Healthcare plan for you and your whanau.

The salary for this position will depend on skills and experience but will be in the range of Grade 6 ($71,274 - $101,329).

Further enquiries should be directed to Eloise Jillings, Group Leader - Veterinary Education at E.Jillings@massey.ac.nz.

Desired Skills and Experience