Help shape the future of Education

We work to shape an education system that delivers equitable and excellent outcomes.

Our organisation is made up of talented and committed people around Aotearoa, from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. While we work in different groups and on different things, we all strive every day to make the biggest difference we can for our ākonga in our education system.

About this role | Mō tēnei tūranga

• Permanent, full-time hours
• Rotorua based OR Tauranga, Bay of Plenty-Waiariki based

If you’re enthusiastic and passionate about raising Māori achievement, love implementing new initiatives, and committed to creating successful educational pathways and building collaborative relationships, this could be the role for you!

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a highly experienced, dynamic and innovative professional to join our fantastic team in the beautiful Bay of Plenty-Waiariki region.

This senior role will report directly to the Director of Education, Bay of Plenty-Waiariki and will be part of the regional leadership team.

The Strategic Advisor Māori will provide strategic advice to the Director of Education and support them to lead engagements with iwi and Māori stakeholders. One of their key priorities will be to work within the Community of Learning | Kāhui Ako (CoL) environment, particularly focused on iwi ability to support achievement challenges and enable CoL’s to deliver on their plans.

The role also provides leadership across the region to help the organisation accelerate Māori educational achievement, seeking equity outcomes and the promotion of Māori identity, language and culture.

This permanent, full-time role can be based at either our Rotorua or Tauranga Office, offering a fantastic lifestyle and work-life balance opportunity. Applicants who live in the surrounding Bay of Plenty areas and are willing to commute may also be interested in this role

Salary range: $120,171-$145,560 per annum plus KiwiSaver. The successful candidate will be appointed at a salary which reflects individual skills and experience.

For more details about the role, you can view Job Description here.

About you | Mōhou ake

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• developed networks, credibility and relationships with iwi and Māori organisations
• ability in te reo Māori that enables the Strategic Advisor to communicate effectively when required at a level acceptable to the audience
• well-developed critical thinking and sound judgement, in particular, the ability to analyse information, develop options and think strategically
• experience of working in a large government organisation in a senior role
• knowledge of the education sector would be an advantage
• capability in leading and motivating others with the ability to challenge, facilitate, supervise and coach leaders to increase capacity for excellence, and where necessary, change
• a full current driver licence as travel will be required
• the ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake

Te Mahau | Education Services is a frontline group that collectively provides leadership and integrated services to the education sector and others. This includes learning support, education advice and regulation functions for schools and early learning services, and advice and support with curriculum. We also share practice and learnings collaboratively with other Te Mahau and Ministry groups to support insights driven guidance, design and policy.

We work closely with the early childhood and schooling sectors, providers, communities, iwi and hapū to provide support, expertise, and resources to help children and young people reach their full potential.

We also collectively strengthen relationships with our diverse communities who support Māori, Pacific peoples, disabled ākonga and/or ākonga with learning support needs, and ākonga from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Are you ready to make a difference? | Kua rite koe mō tēnei mahi?

If this opportunity interests you, please submit your Resume and Cover Letter by using the ‘Apply now’ button (please do not email your application).

In your Cover Letter, we’d like to know about you, your values, or anything else you’d like to share. We’re keen to understand your motivations, strengths, transferable skills, and the diverse perspectives you will bring to the role.

 For further information, please contact Pennie Muldoon at 07 349 7464 and/or email Pennie.Muldoon@education.govt.nz.

Applications close at 11.59pm on Sunday, 29 November 2026.

 We want our people to feel valued for their unique qualities and have a sense of belonging. If you require assistance or adjustments to fully participate in the recruitment process, please let us know.