Job Description

Pou Ārahi - Cultural Advisor

• Influence meaningful outcomes for Māori learners and their communities
• Bring te ao Māori to the heart of system design and delivery
• Help shape how TEC partners with iwi and Māori across Aotearoa

He angitūtanga: What will you be doing?

We're seeking a Pou Ārahi (Cultural Advisor) to join our Delivery directorate to strengthen and improve outcomes for Māori learners across Aotearoa.

This is a unique opportunity to help embed te ao Māori, tikanga Māori and Māori perspectives into TEC's work, supporting TEC's partnerships with iwi, hapū and Māori communities.

Reporting to and working closely with the Chief Advisor Iwi & Māori Relations, you will provide expert cultural advice across the organisation, contribute to strategic initiatives, and support the development of kaupapa Māori approaches to TEC products and services — particularly in areas such as careers information and system design. You will work across teams and with external stakeholders to ensure our work reflects Māori aspirations and delivers meaningful impact.

He kōrero mōu: What you will bring to the role

We are looking for a credible and trusted advisor who can operate confidently across te ao Māori and the public sector. You will bring:

• Strong knowledge of te ao Māori, tikanga Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi, with the ability to apply this in organisational and system contexts
• Experience building and maintaining high-trust relationships with iwi, hapū and Māori stakeholders
• Proven experience providing strategic and cultural advice in complex environments, ideally within the public sector or similar multi-stakeholder settings
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to develop high-quality content, insights, and advice
• Experience contributing to or leading projects or initiatives that integrate kaupapa Māori approaches into products, services, or programmes
• A proactive and solutions-focused mindset, with a strong commitment to improving outcomes for Māori learners and communities

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou: What's in it for you?

• The opportunity to work in an area of high priority that is important to the success of the tertiary education system.
• Pōneke CBD location
• Three additional (TEC Days) leave days
• A range of benefits including flexible working options, a wellness programme, and recognition of previous public service for service-based entitlements.

• We support flexible working arrangements, while expecting team members to be in the office at least three days per week to enable collaboration. As this is a Wellington-based role, we're unable to consider candidates who cannot meet this requirement.

Remuneration

The recruitment range for this position starts from $128k up to $150k, + 3.5% Kiwisaver contributions. Placement in range is dependent on demonstrable skills and experience.

Me pēhea te tuku tono: How to apply

To view the role description and/or apply for this role, please click ‘Apply for This Job,' or visit the TEC Careers Portal. We request both a tailored cover letter and CV.

The closing date for this role is, Sunday 5  July 2026. For more information or if you have any questions, please contact hr@tec.govt.nz.

Applicants must have the legal right to work in New Zealand and be able to maintain this.

If you do hold a visa, please upload a copy with your application.

Prior to the Tertiary Education Commission confirming any offer of employment, we will conduct pre-employment checks including criminal conviction history and reference checking as a minimum.

The TEC is an equal opportunity employer and committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. Your unique talents and experience will help us deliver exceptional services to New Zealand. We look forward to your application