Pou Tūhono - Te Kura Wānanga
Open Polytechnic
Tēnā koe. Nau mai ki te Kuratini Tuwhera.
Lower Hutt campus.
Mō te tūnga | About the role
As Pou Tūhono, you will play a vital role in advancing our strategic goals while upholding the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi. These Pou Tūhono will work according to a partnership model. You will operate across three specialisation areas, rotating and/or supporting other Pou Tūhono in these areas as required. The attached position description provides details around each specialisation area and defines the skills and experience you will bring to the mahi in your role. These specialisation areas are:
Pou Tikanga – Protocol and Cultural Capability Lead
Pou Reo – Māori Language Lead
Pou Mātauranga Māori – Māori Knowledge and Education Lead
Your expert guidance will ensure Māori worldviews are meaningfully embedded in all of our programmes and organisational practices.
You’ll foster strong relationships with leaders, kaimahi, and stakeholders, and drive key initiatives that grow te reo Māori proficiency and cultural capability across the organisation.
Ngā pūkenga mo te tūnga | What you will bring to the role
- Proven experience guiding kaupapa Māori within a medium to large organisation, preferably within vocational education.
- Deep knowledge of Mātauranga Māori, tikanga, te reo Māori, and Māori worldviews.
- Skills in engaging authentically with mana whenua and Māori communities.
- Experience leading pōwhiri, whakatau, hui Māori, and wānanga-based learning.
- A relevant qualification in Māori Studies, Education, Indigenous Knowledge, or equivalent experience.
- Strong communication and facilitation skills, including whaikōrero.
Ngā hua o tō tomo mai ki a mātou | Why you should join our team
- Be part of a team committed to Te Tiriti excellence and Māori cultural integrity
- Help shape the future of vocational education of ākonga Māori
- Work in a collaborative, culturally grounded environment
At Open Polytechnic, we're proud to make a meaningful difference in people's lives through accessible education. Here are just a few reasons our team enjoys working here:
- A purpose-driven organisation that transforms lives through learning
- A culture that values work-life balance and wellbeing
- Free on-site car parking
- Subsidised school holiday programmes for your tamariki
- Free fitness classes to support your health and wellbeing
- Great coffee at our on-site café
Mō mātou | About us
The Kuratini Tuwhera is Aotearoa New Zealand's leading provider of distance and online learning. We specialise in bringing education to our students, supporting the success of approximately 30,000 learners each year.
At Open Polytechnic, you'll be part of an organisation where your work truly makes a difference.
We offer a wide range of programmes—from Real Estate to Social Work, Construction, and Education. Whether you're part of our Academic Staff or our Student Journey Centre, our ākonga are at the heart of everything we do.
We're proud of our kaimahi and deeply value the contributions of every team member.
Tono mai | Apply now
If this role sounds like you, we would love to hear from you. Applications must be submitted online via our career's website. For any questions about the role, contact carolyn.pene@openpolytechnic.ac.nz
Applications close 11 pm on 23 January 2026.
Noho ora mai. Tēnā koe.
