VetMAP Kaiarahi/Coordinator

The VetMAP kaupapa supports Maori and Indigenous Pacific akonga (students) on their journey into and through veterinary education. Tawharau Ora/School of Veterinary Science is looking for someone with proven excellence in working with a diverse range of people for the role of Kaiarahi/Coordinator. This is a permanent, full-time position based on the Manawatu campus in Palmerston North.

Mo tenei turanga mahi | About the role

This rewarding role is dedicated to increasing Maori and Pacific participation, success, and wellbeing within veterinary science. Working closely with akonga, whanau, schools, communities, and university stakeholders, you will provide culturally responsive support from recruitment and admission through to graduation. Through relationship building, academic and pastoral support, and the facilitation of meaningful cultural connections, you will help create an environment where akonga feel a strong sense of belonging and are empowered to achieve their goals.

In this role, you will

Promote the VetMAP admission pathway and engage with prospective Maori and Pacific akonga, schools, and communities to support informed pathways into veterinary science.

Build strong, positive relationships with akonga, providing guidance, encouragement, and holistic support throughout their academic journey.

Coordinate and deliver key student engagement initiatives, including orientation activities, noho marae, hui, study groups, and tuakana-teina programmes.

Monitor progress and work proactively with akonga and support services to strengthen academic success, retention, and wellbeing.

Collaborate with colleagues across the University and external partners to develop innovative initiatives that enhance participation and success outcomes for Maori and Pacific students.

Foster whakawhanaungatanga and facilitate cultural experiences that strengthen identity, connection, and belonging within the veterinary student community.

Liaise with whanau and a range of student support services to ensure akonga receive timely and appropriate academic, pastoral, and wellbeing support.

Contribute to the administration and continuous improvement of the VetMAP admission pathway and student success programmes.

Mou | About you

Our ideal candidate is someone who is warm, grounded and easy to talk to, with the kind of presence that helps rangatahi feel seen, supported and also gently challenged when needed. You will bring a strong cultural identity and grounding in te ao Maori, alongside genuine care for akonga and their whanau.

You will also have

a tertiary degree

strong relationship skills

sound judgement to handle sensitive situations with care and professionalism

high-level organisational skills and strong attention to detail

* strong proficiency using Microsoft Office and other digital systems.

Ko nga hua o te turanga? | What's in it for you?

This is a rare opportunity to combine kaupapa, connection and practical impact. You will build meaningful relationships with akonga and whanau, work alongside a supportive network of colleagues and communities, and contribute directly to a more equitable and culturally affirming pathway into veterinary education. You will have scope to bring your own ideas, initiative and personality to a role where your work will genuinely matter.

You will also receive up to 6.75% employer contribution to the UniSaver Superannuation Scheme, five university holidays each year, and a subsidised Southern Cross Healthcare plan for you and your whanau.

The salary for this position will depend on skills and experience but will be in the range of Grade 6 ($71,274 - $101,329).

Apply now and make an impact that matters.

Further enquiries should be directed to Eloise Jillings, Group Leader - Veterinary Education at [email protected].