Lead Advisor- Pāngarau, Pūtaiao and Hangarau

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 students in our education system.

About this role | Mō tēnei tūranga

• Fixed term or secondment opportunity until May 2026 

Are you passionate about transforming learning for ākonga Māori? As our Lead Advisor, you’ll play a pivotal role in designing curriculum and learning experiences that reflect te Ao Māori and accelerate achievement in Pāngarau, Pūtaiao, and Hangarau.   

This is your chance to influence national education priorities and create resources that truly matter. You’ll lead the development of frameworks, tools, and supports that empower teachers and uplift learners while ensuring Te Marautanga o Aotearoa (TMoA) remains at the heart of everything we do.

You will bring:

• Deep expertise in Pāngarau Pūtaiao and Hangarau, including pedagogy and curriculum    design  
• Knowledge of Te Marautanga o Aotearoa, kaupapa Māori and education equity  
• Proven ability to lead or contribute to large-scale curriculum programmes  
• Experience mentoring others and lifting capability across teams  
• Sound judgement, pragmatic thinking and effective communication skills  
• Understanding of public sector delivery and policy impact on schools  
• Recognised commitment to te Ao Māori and the promotion of tikanga and te reo Māori.  

Salary range: $100,296 - $121,490 per annum + 3% 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 the  Job Description here .

About you | Mōhou ake

You will be a strategic thinker with deep expertise in Pāngarau Pūtaiao and Hangarau, backed by hands-on experience in education delivery. Your insight into learning acceleration, aromatawai, and kaupapa Māori approaches will enable you to drive meaningful change and create learning experiences that truly make a difference for ākonga Māori

You will also offer:

• Proven ability to engage and manage stakeholder relationships. 
• Experience in curriculum module/resource design and implementation   
• Confidence to mentor, coach and build capability around te Ao Maori. 
• Knowledge and experience of Māori approaches within an Education context. 
• resilience and adaptability within a complex environment  
• Ability to use clear and professional written and verbal communication.
• The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

You will be strongly supported by an inclusive, innovative, and values-based team environment that fosters continuous learning and collaboration.  

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake

The purpose of Te Poutāhū is to lead the national curricula for Aotearoa New Zealand and associated systems and processes of assessment and aromatawai.  

We design, develop and provide curriculum services for teachers, kaiako, leaders, ākonga, their whānau and communities that reflect their identities, languages and cultures. We bring together curriculum, teaching expertise and evidence for the development, support and review of inclusive curricula, assessment and NCEA. Our strengths are across te reo Māori, mātauranga Māori, disability, inclusive learning support and culturally relevant content so that Te Mahau supports learning that is inclusive for all ākonga.  

We support the people who are closest to, and directly serve, ākonga and whānau. We do this through Te Mahau where we connect with the sector, working collaboratively to identify priorities and design local solutions.  

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

If this opportunity interests you, please submit your cover letter and resume by using the ‘apply' button. 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 Ronnie Harvey - Veronica.Harvey@education.govt.nz

Applications close Midnight –  Friday 5th December 2025

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.