Senior Support Officer

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

An opportunity exists for a full-time superstar administrator to join our Business Support team based in Whangārei. We are looking for a professional, adaptable, high energy team player to join us in making a difference for our region.

Reporting to the Business Support Manager you will never have two days the same. You will bring your exceptional IT, customer service, organisation, and planning skills to the role as a Business Support Officer. You will be responsible for a wide range of administrative support activities, and will have exceptional high standards and attention to detail. Your calm and professional demeanour will always shine through even when things are extremely busy.

As the face of the Ministry in Whangārei this is an office based role. You will demonstrate ownership and initiative to ensure that the office runs efficiently and seamlessly to support our colleagues, and visitors across the region.

Salary range: $60,879 - $72,999 per annum + 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 professional in your presentation and your approach to your work.

To be successful in the role you will also:

• Have a passion for knowledge, be open to learning new things, and comfortable working in a varying environment,
• Build exceptional working relationships with customers,
• Deliver services to the required high standard,
• Work with others across the Ministry to provide support and resolve issues in a pro-active and professional manner,
• Provide quality, efficient administrative support to managers and staff
• Experience in IT systems and processes would be an advantage,
• Be an adaptable, high energy team player who is able to multi-task in varying conditions and virtual cross-functional teams,
• Have great time management with an ability to prioritise work and work within timelines,
• Have proficiency in Microsoft Office suite,
• Have well-developed communication skills, both oral and written,
• Have high standards of personal presentation,
• Be comfortable working in a tikanga/kaupapa Māori environment,
• Have knowledge of the Treaty of Waitangi, and apply it to the work being undertaken,
• The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake

The Education Services Group provides well-designed, integrated education services that support the impactful and effective operation of education settings to support student achievement and participation. The services help to remove barriers to participation and learning and provide regulatory advice, support and oversight to early learning providers, schools and kura.

The Group has three key priorities for Education Services:

• Practice & Guidance: Managing practice and guidance to improve national coordination and consistency, whilst enabling regional autonomy for education service delivery.
• Integration & Delivery: Providing education support directly to education settings via integrated regional and national services. This includes intervening when necessary to ensure a high standard of operation to support student outcomes and owning key stakeholder relationships to support schooling improvement and stronger outcomes for learners.
• Monitoring & Improvement: Monitoring and advising on improvements to the effectiveness, efficiency and equity of services for achievement and progression, and attendance and participation. This includes monitoring education provider performance against regulations and intervening as required.

Our Business Support team provides support to the Education and Learning Support teams in Tai Tokerau, and we regularly work with families, schools, and early childhood centres to support their work in the sector. The team is supportive, ultra-friendly and diverse, customer focused and driven to provide the best service possible. You will have lots of colleagues to help you as you learn the business.

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 Anne-Marie Kelly, Business Support Manager at annemarie.kelly@education.govt.nz.

We will review and shortlist applications as they are received, so don’t delay apply today.

Applications close Midnight – Thursday 28th May 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.