Mātauranga Māori Education Specialist
Department of Internal Affairs
Job Description
Job Identification: 1002145
Type: Permanent
Hours: Full time
Location: Auckland or Wellington, New Zealand
Business Group: Mātauranga Māori
Branch: Partnerships and Commissions
Salary: $125,529 – $156,214
Strengthen Māori Medium Education Through Strategic, Kaupapa Māori Leadership
E ngā mana, e ngā reo, e ngā karangatanga maha o ngā hau e whā, nau mai, haere mai.
Greetings to the many authorities, voices, and experts of the world.
As Mātauranga Māori Education Specialist, you will play a key role in helping the National Library Te Puna Mātauranga and Archives New Zealand Te Rua Mahara fulfil their commitments to Māori learners. This role sits within the Mātauranga Māori directorate and provides expert guidance to uplift the design, delivery and impact of our services to Māori medium education providers and kura.
You will bring thought leadership, strategic direction and practitioner-level insight into how our institutions can best reflect and serve Māori education priorities. This includes advising on resource development, supporting Māori medium education achievement, and ensuring alignment with Te Marautanga o Aotearoa and kaupapa Māori principles.
What we’re looking for
You will bring a depth of experience in Māori education and a strong commitment to manaakitanga, whanaungatanga and mātauranga Māori. Specifically, we’re looking for:
- Significant experience working within or alongside Māori medium education, iwi-led education providers or kaupapa Māori learning environments
- Fluency in te reo Māori me ōna tikanga
- Strong understanding of Te Marautanga o Aotearoa and the priorities of Māori learners and educators
- Experience developing strategic frameworks, relationships and initiatives that improve outcomes for Māori
- Proven ability to influence and support change across education, library or government systems
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills across a wide range of stakeholders
- A collaborative approach with a focus on empowering others and lifting capability across the system
You may have a background in education, libraries, cultural heritage, or government, but what matters most is your ability to connect deeply with Māori learners and bring their priorities to the heart of service design.
About us
At the Department of Internal Affairs, we are committed to strengthening trust in government, enabling informed citizenship, and preserving the knowledge and taonga of Aotearoa for future generations. We take pride in being part of a public service that supports democratic government and works collectively for the wellbeing of New Zealanders.
Applications close: 5pm, 11 June 2025
Contact: Ruki.Tobin@dia.govt.nz
Job description: Click here to view the full job description
We are an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from everyone and are committed to providing a workplace where all employees are supported to succeed.
Hikoia te whetū, hikoia te marama, ka rere, ka rere.
Stride over the stars. Stride over the moon, take flight.
About Us
At the Department of Internal Affairs, the work we do makes New Zealand a better place for those born here, and those new New Zealanders who have chosen to call this country home.
About the Team
The Partnerships and Commissions branch of DIA is responsible for a diverse portfolio of national institutions, commissions, Executive and community-based services. The branch oversees and supports the National Library and Archives New Zealand, Hāpai Hapori – Community Operations, and Ministerial Services who provide a range of services to the Prime Minister and the Executive. The branch oversees various commissions including royal commissions, ministerial inquiries and those established through legislation (Local Government Commission, Gambling Commission).
