Waipapa Taumata Rau| The University of Auckland

The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s pre-eminent University, with a turnover of $1.3bn, including research revenue of over $300m generated across eight diverse faculties and two research institutes. With over 6,000 staff and 45,000 students, the University of Auckland is one of New Zealand’s most significant and complex entities.

About the team | Mō tō mātou rōpū 

The Human Resources team at the University of Auckland contributes to the University’s mission to be “a research-led, international university, recognised for excellence in teaching, learning, research, creative work, and administration”.

This is achieved by providing professional, innovative and efficient services and programmes and developing partnerships based on trust and integrity. Our goal is to foster excellence, productivity and fairness as we work to strengthen the University’s ability to recruit and retain high quality staff, and develop a culture that encourages and supports staff to reach their full potential.

Our actions reflect a foundational relationship with tangata whenua and our commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi through the principles of Manaakitanga – Caring for those around us in the way we relate to each other; Whanaungatanga – Recognising the importance of kinship and lasting relationships; Kaitiakitanga – Valuing stewardship and guardianship and our relationship with the natural world.

Our priority is to build a high-performing, diverse, inclusive and equitable community.

The opportunity | Te Whiwhinga mahi

The Human Resources team has an exciting opportunity to appoint a new Kaiārahi.

As a member of the HR Leadership Team, this position plays a key role in enabling the University to enact Toitū Waipapa and the People and Culture priorities in Taumata Teitei, through the transformation of our workforce and culture, the development and execution of strategies to foster mana motuhake and the achievement of equitable outcomes for Māori staff.

The successful candidate will lead the development of enduring and mutually-beneficial partnerships with Māori on behalf of HR.  They will also ensure the HR division is connected with, and leads or contributes to, relevant engagement with Māori taking place across the University, including within faculties and key service divisions, and particularly the Office of the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Māori.

Key responsibilities include:

• Strategy and Planning - Provide vision and leadership for the development and successful implementation of operational plans aligned with strategy.
• Operational Management - Working in partnership with the Leadership Team and the Office of the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Māori, contribute to the implementation of plans for support to enhance the wellbeing, participation and success of Māori staff. Work with teams to develop strategies and performance indicators to measure achievement towards Māori objectives.
• Relationship Management - Establish and nurture collaborative relationships at all levels across the University to maximise opportunities for advancement of the division’s objectives and to foster an engaging culture. Develop strategic, mutually-beneficial relationships with Māori – mana whenua, iwi, enterprises, and community groups, in consultation with the Office of the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Māori.
• Leadership - Provide leadership, mentoring and direction for staff. Model and encourage behaviours aligned to the development and maintenance of a culture that is inclusive, flexible and encourages excellence and innovation.
• Continuous Improvement - Work collaboratively toward operational and strategic continuous improvement initiatives at a University level. Undertake professional development and continuing education to ensure the division’s alignment with current good practice.
• Equity Development - Demonstrate leadership in creating a safe, inclusive and equitable University for all.

For more information, please see Position Description. 

About you | He kōrero mōu

The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in increasing opportunities for kaimahi Māori. You will be an active part of the University’s ongoing commitment to fulfilling our vision and leading the work we do to ensure the principles of te Tiriti and manaakitanga, whanaungatanga and kaitiakitanga are embedded in our work environment.

Skills and experience:

• Strong experience in leadership relevant to the tertiary sector
• Experience and understanding of equity issues in New Zealand, especially with relation to Māori staff and students
• Well-developed understanding of principles of te Tiriti o Waitangi and their application in the work environment
• Understanding of tikanga Māori and confidence navigating Te Ao Māori
• Mēnā he matatau ki te reo Māori he wana ake tērā / Fluency in te reo Māori is preferred
• Experience of working with Māori iwi, enterprises, and community groups

What we offer | Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou

The University of Auckland is committed to providing an excellent working environment through:

• Flexible employment practices and a culture that supports work-life balance
• Career development programmes
• A competitive salary with five weeks’ annual leave
• 6.75% superannuation scheme

For more information please visit our Staff Benefits page.

How to apply | Me pēhea te tuku tono |

Applications should be submitted online, before the closing date of Sunday 10th October and include a current CV and cover letter outlining what strengths you will bring to this role.

If you have any questions about this role, please contact Josh Chapman – [email protected]

The University is committed to meeting its obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi and achieving equity outcomes for staff and students in a safe, inclusive and equitable environment. For further information on services for Māori, Pacific, women, LGBTQITakatāpui+, people with disabilities, parenting support, flexible work and other equity issues go to www.equity.auckland.ac.nz.

In accordance with our commitment to equitable recruitment, the University welcomes applications from all suitably qualified and experienced candidates. In response to COVID-19 the New Zealand Government has imposed a travel ban and are currently only allowing New Zealand Residents, Citizens and visa holders meeting a strict exception policy to enter the country, all of whom must currently enter Government approved quarantine for two weeks on arrival.

It is uncertain when these border restrictions will change, and this may impact the degree to which an offshore candidate can engage in the interview process; or be available to commence in a new position. For more information and updates on the border restrictions visit the Immigration New Zealand website or the New Zealand Government’s official Covid-19 website.