Kaiārahi

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

We are seeking an experienced and passionate Kaiārahi to join the Auckland Bioengineering Institute (ABI) in a newly created role that will help shape the future of Māori participation and success in bioengineering research.

This role has a strong future focus. You will lead initiatives that create a sustainable pipeline of Māori students into postgraduate study, summer internships, and ultimately research careers. Through meaningful engagement with communities, students, and key University partners, you'll help shape pathways that support Māori success while strengthening ABI's connection to Māori communities and aspirations.

Working across the University and within the community, you will collaborate with academic and professional staff to build awareness of ABI's world-leading research, identify opportunities for engagement, and encourage Māori learners to explore pathways into research and postgraduate study. You will also work closely with key networks including the Office of the Pro Vice-Chancellor Māori, MAPAS, Tuākana, SPIES, and other Māori support and engagement groups across the University.

Key areas of focus include:

• Building a sustainable pipeline of Māori students into postgraduate study, internships, and research careers.
• Creating pathways that connect Māori learners with ABI's research opportunities and programmes.
• Supporting culturally responsive engagement and Te Tiriti o Waitangi commitments across ABI.

This is a part-time (18.75 hours per week, 0.5 FTE), fixed-term position for 36 months, based at our City Campus, 70 Symonds Street, Auckland. This is a band H role with a salary range from $98,700 - $121,900 per annum, pro-rated based on part-time hours, depending on skills, experience, and qualifications.

For more detailed information on the role accountabilities and requirements, please review this position description.

Mō tō mātou rōpū | About the team

The Auckland Bioengineering Institute (ABI) is a large-scale research institute of Waipapa Taumata Rau | University of Auckland. ABI excels in developing innovative bioengineering approaches to solve complex problems and translating technologies into meaningful health, social, and economic impact. The Institute brings together engineers, scientists, clinicians, and translational experts in a highly collaborative and collegial environment

He kōrero mōu | About you

You are a trusted relationship builder who is passionate about creating opportunities for Māori and supporting long-term educational and research outcomes. You thrive on bringing people together, building meaningful partnerships, and creating pathways that make a lasting difference.

You will bring:

• Experience building trusted relationships with Māori communities, iwi, hapū, kura, schools, or Māori organisations.
• Strong understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and tikanga Māori.
• Experience in tertiary education, student engagement, recruitment, community engagement, research, or a related environment.
• Proven ability to collaborate and co-design initiatives with diverse stakeholders.
• Excellent communication (written and verbal), influencing, and relationship management skills.
• The ability to work independently while maintaining strong connections across teams, communities, and networks.

You will be approachable, open-minded, culturally competent, and motivated by the opportunity to help shape a role that contributes to Māori success in higher education and research.