Senior Strategic Advisor – Māori

• Influence strategic direction and organisational decision-making
• Strengthen Māori success and outcomes across Te Kura
• Based in Te Whanganui-a-Tara

 
Our ākonga are at the centre of all we do
 
Ko wai mātou | About us
Te Aho o Te Kura Pounamu (Te Kura) is the largest state-funded school in Aotearoa, supporting up to 24,000 ākonga at any given time. We provide personalised and flexible learning programmes from early childhood through to secondary education and adult learning, helping ākonga achieve their educational aspirations in a way that fits their world.
 
Our vision is to empower ākonga to achieve their educational and personal goals, enabling them to become engaged, confident members of their whānau and communities.

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About the role
This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to Māori success at Te Kura and help shape the future of education for Māori ākonga.
 
Based in Wellington, this role requires a strong presence and regular engagement with key stakeholders. Following a recent review, the remuneration package has been increased to ensure alignment with the responsibilities and market expectations of this role.
 
Reporting to the Communications Manager, the Senior Strategic Advisor – Māori provides strategic advice, guidance, and support across the organisation. Working closely with the Chief Executive, Senior Leadership Team, and leaders throughout Te Kura, you will help ensure Māori perspectives, aspirations, and outcomes are reflected in organisational planning, decision-making, engagement, communications, and curriculum development.
 
A key focus of the role is building and maintaining trusted relationships with iwi, hapū, whānau, Māori organisations, education providers, and community partners. Through these relationships, you will help strengthen Te Kura’s understanding of the needs and aspirations of Māori learners and communities.
 
You will also support the implementation of strategic priorities, contribute to monitoring and evaluation activities, and help build cultural confidence across Te Kura by providing advice and guidance that supports meaningful engagement and the practical application of te ao Māori.
 
This role will suit someone who combines strong relationship-building skills with strategic thinking, cultural credibility, and a genuine commitment to improving outcomes for Māori.
 
Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience
The ideal candidate will have:

• A strong grounding in te ao Māori, tikanga Māori, mātauranga Māori, and ideally te reo Māori
• Experience working with Māori communities, organisations, iwi, hapū, whānau, or kaupapa Māori initiatives
• Experience contributing to strategic initiatives, organisational planning, programmes, or projects
• Strong relationship management skills and the ability to build trust across a range of stakeholders
• Knowledge of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its practical application within education or the public sector
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• The ability to provide sound advice, influence outcomes, and work effectively across all levels of an organisation
• A desire to continue developing your strategic advisory capability and leadership influence.

We recognise that people bring different experiences and strengths. If you have a strong foundation in te ao Māori, excellent relationship-building skills, and the capability to operate strategically, we encourage you to apply.
 
KA KATI NGĀ TONO/ APPLICATIONS CLOSE: Friday, 21st August 2026
MŌ TE TONO, MŌ TE TIROTIRO TĀTAI TŪRANGA / APPLY OR VIEW THE POSITION DESCRIPTION: www.jacksonstone.co.nz
TAUPĀNGA /REFERENCE: BH-11764
ME HE PĀTAI ANŌ / FURTHER ENQUIRIES:  Annalee Hoogeveen 04-550 8041 / 021 921 802