Principal Advisor – Wānanga Futures

• Help to shape the future of learning
• Drive ethical AI and emerging technology in a kaupapa Māori context
• Influence strategic direction across Te Wānanga o Aotearoa

 
Whānau transformation through education
 
Ko wai mātou | About us
Te Wānanga o Aotearoa is a Māori tertiary education provider delivering learning opportunities across Aotearoa. Guided by values of Te Aroha, Te Whakapono, Ngā Ture and Kotahitanga, they are committed to tauira success and to transforming whānau and communities through education.
 
Te Pae Tawhiti 2030 is the future-focused strategic direction of TWoA, focusing on elevating teaching and learning, enhancing the visibility and impact of mātauranga Māori, and building organisational capability to respond to changing learner and workforce needs. Through Te Pae Tawhiti 2030, TWOA is reshaping how it delivers education – placing tauira at the centre, investing in innovation and leadership, and ensuring it continues to grow as a values‑led, transformative provider for the future.

 
Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About the role
Reporting to the Pouwhakahaere – Strategy and Transformation, the Principal Advisor Wānanga Futures plays a key role in shaping the future of learning and innovation at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa. This role brings future‑focused thinking to life by exploring and supporting the thoughtful use of emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), immersive and extended reality, and intelligent automation, in ways that enhance learning and organisational capability.
 
As a futurist and strategic thought-leader, you will provide guidance on the ethical and responsible use of new technologies, ensuring innovation is culturally aligned, safe and grounded in kaupapa Māori values. Working collaboratively, this role supports Te Wānanga o Aotearoa to remain at the forefront of tertiary education innovation, contributing to the delivery of Te Pae Tawhiti 2030 and the creation of inclusive, meaningful and future‑ready learning experiences.
 
Focus areas:

• Ensure that technology, education innovation, and broader social, economic, environmental and cultural trends are understood and acted on in ways that advance the aspirations of iwi, hapū, whānau
• Lead strategic foresight for TWoA, bringing together insights on technology, education, indigenous development, climate
• Stress‑test major initiatives (e.g. new programmes, campus developments, international education, flexible learning models) against alternative futures and potential shocks

 
 
Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience
You will have:

• Relevant tertiary qualification
• Senior-level experience in future-focused education, digital strategy or organisational innovation
• Networks across innovation ecosystems, tertiary education, or technology sectors
• Understanding of emerging technologies and their application in learning and organisational systems
• Experience designing governance, ethics or readiness frameworks for AI or new technologies
• Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders through insight, evidence and trusted advice

 
 
KA KATI NGĀ TONO/ APPLICATIONS CLOSE: Friday, 5 June 2026
MŌ TE TONO, MŌ TE TIROTIRO TĀTAI TŪRANGA / APPLY OR VIEW THE POSITION DESCRIPTION: www.jacksonstone.co.nz
TAUPĀNGA /REFERENCE: BH-11511
ME HE PĀTAI ANŌ / FURTHER ENQUIRIES:  Simon Boyes 04-550 8026 or Donna Williams 04-550 8020