Student Support Advisor
University of AucklandJob Description
Student Support Advisor – Māori and Pacific Health Students
Te Kupenga Hauora Māori | Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences
Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Auckland
About the Organisation
Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Auckland is New Zealand's leading university, home to world-leading researchers, teachers, and practising health professionals. The Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences is a vibrant and diverse faculty with more than 4,000 students studying across six schools, united by a bold vision: to lead and advance Hauora across generations in Aotearoa.
Te Kupenga Hauora Māori (TKHM) is the Department of Māori Health within the Faculty, located at the purpose-built Grafton Campus. TKHM is responsible for coordinating Māori health teaching across the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, leading the Vision 20:20 initiative for Indigenous health workforce development, and housing the Tōmaiora Research Unit, which conducts Kaupapa Māori health research and training services.
The Grafton Campus building has been purposefully designed to maximise interaction, collaboration, and community — reflecting the values at the heart of everything TKHM does. TKHM works in close partnership with Te Whatu Ora | Health NZ, Te Aka Whai Ora | Māori Health Authority, as well as communities, organisations, and international partners, all in service of advancing the well-being of the people of Aotearoa and sustainably regenerating people and place.
Our knowledge, expertise, and teaching are our taonga. We value our students, alumni, and donors deeply.
Te Whiwhinga mahi | About the Role
This is an inspiring opportunity to join Te Kupenga Hauora Māori as a Student Support Advisor, playing a meaningful role in fulfilling the Vision 20:20 initiative — an initiative committed to increasing the number of Māori and Pacific health professionals through the Māori and Pacific Admission Scheme (MAPAS).
As Student Support Advisor, you will walk alongside Māori and Pacific students through their cultural and educational journey within the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences — from foundation level through to undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. This is a fulltime, permanent position that offers genuine scope for responsibility, innovation, and impact.
The kaupapa of this role centres on providing holistic academic and pastoral support, ensuring that Māori and Pacific students have the guidance, resources, and advocacy they need to thrive throughout their studies. You will be a trusted point of contact — someone who understands the unique challenges these students face and is genuinely committed to their success.
Ngā Haepapa | Responsibilities
- Coordinate academic and pastoral support for Māori and Pacific students enrolled in foundation, undergraduate, and postgraduate programmes
- Administer, manage, and coordinate admissions processes, academic support services, and pastoral care for students
- Provide culturally informed advice, mentorship, and guidance to students throughout their academic journey
- Build and maintain strong, effective relationships with students, academic staff, and key internal and external stakeholders
- Coordinate and manage events relevant to student support, engagement, and community building
- Collaborate closely with academic staff to identify students who may require additional support and develop responsive solutions
- Apply critical thinking and a practical, solutions-focused approach to student challenges
- Contribute to a positive, collaborative team environment committed to continuous improvement and best practice student support
He kōrero mōu | About You
The successful candidate will bring a well-developed, in-depth understanding of Māori and Pacific culture, along with strong connections to Māori and/or Pacific communities. You will be a warm, capable, and organised professional who is passionate about supporting the next generation of Māori and Pacific health professionals.
You will also bring:
- A relevant undergraduate degree
- A genuine understanding of the challenges Māori and Pacific students encounter within a university environment
- Strong administration and communication skills, with a high level of competency across both
- A demonstrated ability to build effective and trusting relationships with diverse groups of people
- Proven ability to coordinate and manage events from planning through to delivery
- The ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team
- Excellent time management and organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities
- Flexibility to work evenings and weekends
Interested in this position?
Don't miss out on this opportunity. Apply now and take the next step in your career.
About University of Auckland
The University of Auckland is New Zealand's leading university, providing world-class education and research across a comprehensive range of academic disciplines. As the country's largest university, it serves both domestic and international students through innovative programs, global partnerships, and extensive student mobility initiatives. The university is committed to fostering international connections and delivering excellence in higher education while supporting students' academic and professional development on a global scale.

