Job Description

Company Description

Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Auckland

Ko te whare Pūtaiao | The Faculty of Science at the University of Auckland is the largest and most highly ranked science faculty in New Zealand. The Faculty of Science is ranked among the top 90 science faculties worldwide by the QS World University Rankings. The 10 departments and schools that form the Faculty of Science represent the breadth and diversity of science in our modern world.

Our staff and students can connect with our flagship groups including Tuākana, Rainbow, Women of Colour, Māori, Pacific, Muslim, and Disabled Staff network and our Waipapa Marae.

Job Description

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

We are looking for a Student Support Adviser who is passionate about tauira success, wellbeing, and creating meaningful connections.

Based within the Faculty of Science’s Student Support and Engagement team, you will play an important role in supporting Māori tauira throughout their university journey – helping navigate university life, connect with people and services, and access opportunities that support their success.

This is a relationship-focused role where whanaungatanga and manaakitanga are central to how you work. You will build trusted relationships with tauira and become a visible and approachable source of support within the Faculty.

You will work closely with Māori student networks, Tuākana, Kaiārahi, and colleagues across the University, helping strengthen connections and ensuring tauira know where to go for support, guidance, and opportunities.

Nga Pūkenga Motuhake | Important Skills

• Build genuine and trusted relationships with Māori tauira and student groups, maintaining a visible presence across the Faculty.
• Work alongside Māori support networks, Tuākana, Kaiārahi and other student groups to promote support, opportunities and services.
• Take a holistic approach to understanding the needs of individual tauira and help connect them with appropriate wellbeing, academic and co-curricular support.
• Develop support plans where appropriate and work collaboratively with other University services.
• Proactively connect with students who may benefit from additional support.
• Promote and support mentoring, tutoring and study group programmes.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across the University Student Wellbeing and Care team to deliver a consistent and positive student experience.
• Maintain accurate records and follow appropriate processes to ensure effective coordination of student support.
• Participate in relevant training, including the Marae Model of wellbeing, and contribute to the University’s obligations under the Pastoral Care Code of Practice.

This is a full-time (37.5 hours per week), permanent position.

The salary range is $63,600 to $79,300 per annum, depending on skills and experience.

For more detailed information, please refer to the Position Description

He kōrero mōu | About you

You will bring a strong understanding of te ao Māori and demonstrated experience working with and alongside Māori communities. You will be committed to providing culturally responsive support, guidance, and mentorship to students throughout their journey, while building and maintaining meaningful relationships with Māori whānau, iwi, and community networks.

You will bring:

• Minimum 3 years of experience working with students or young people, with an understanding of their diverse needs.
• Experience working in a customer-focused environment.
• Strong relationship-building and active listening skills.
• The ability to support people experiencing moderate levels of distress with empathy, confidence, and professionalism.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• An understanding of the University’s responsibilities under Te Tiriti o Waitangi and equity principles.
• A tertiary qualification or equivalent experience in a relevant discipline, such as social work.
• Proficiency in te reo Māori would be an advantage

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What we offer

The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s leading university and maintains significant computational, laboratory, and analytic facilities. Auckland itself is frequently rated as one of the world’s most liveable cities.

The University is committed to providing an excellent working environment through:

• Flexible employment practices (including working from home, flexible hours)
• Up to 6.75% company superannuation scheme
• A competitive salary with five weeks’ annual leave

In addition, we also offer career development programmes, discounted car parking, a generous parental leave allowance, childcare, and several other discounts on internal and external services.

For more information, please visit Staff Benefits.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

Applications should be submitted online, before the closing date of 18th October 2026, and include an up-to-date CV and cover letter outlining what strengths you will bring to this role.

If you have any questions about this role, please get in touch with Serena Tiaiti (Student Support & Engagement Mgr) serena.tiaiti@auckland.ac.nz for a confidential discussion. Please note we are happy to answer your questions, but we do not accept applications by email.

Additional Information

Equity

The University is committed to meeting its obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi and achieving equity outcomes for staff and students in a safe, inclusive, and equitable environment. For further information on services for Māori, Pacific, women, LGBTQIATakatāpuiMVPFAFF+, people with disabilities, parenting support, flexible work and other personal circumstances go to www.equity.auckland.ac.nz