Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Auckland

The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s top-ranked university, supported by over 6,000 academic and professional staff dedicated to the success of more than 46,000 students. Proudly ranked 65th in the 2025 QS World University Rankings and 12th globally in the 2023 THE University Impact Rankings, we are one of the country’s largest and most impactful employers.

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

Te Wānanga o Waipapa, School of Māori Studies and Pacific Studies, is seeking a Professional Teaching Fellow or Lecturer to teach Samoan language and culture in our Stage 1, 2, and 3 Samoan courses, as well as select Pacific Studies courses.

In this role, you will play a key part in curriculum development as a champion and leader of the Samoan language on campus. You’ll also work to broaden access to Pacific languages across university faculties, Large Scale Research Institutes (LSRIs), and service divisions.

Alongside teaching, you will coordinate the undergraduate programme and provide guidance to students in the Pacific Studies programme. If appointed at the Lecturer level, you’ll contribute to our research output through original research of academic and social significance.

This is a full-time (40 hours per week), permanent opportunity. 
The remuneration ranges are below and salary will depend on the level of appointment.
PTF1 $100,696 - PTF3 $121,897
L1 $94,981 - L7 $113,463
SL1 $120,752 

For more information, please refer to the Position Description. 

Mō tō mātou rōpū | About the team

Pacific Studies is part of Te Wānanga o Waipapa, The School of Maori Studies and Pacific Studies, within the Faculty of Arts. The faculty is consistently ranked among the world's top 50 arts faculties by the QS World University Rankings. In 2025 the Faculty will be incorporated in a larger new Faculty which will also include humanities, social sciences, languages, education and creative art at the University of Auckland.

Our Pacific Studies programme offers students study options in Pacific indigenous knowledge, performance and practice; contemporary Pacific societies and cultures; Pacific histories, politics and development; Pacific health, wellbeing and identities, as well as Pacific languages.

We advance transdisciplinary knowledge through research in, for instance, Tongan linguistics and culture; informal mental health-seeking for Pacific men in NZ; the decolonisation of NZs empire in the Pacific; indigenous rights and representations in Hawaii, the health and wellbeing of Pacific secondary students in NZ, climate change, mental health and wellbeing; and climate mobility, Pacific development, and gendered social relations in the Pacific.

You can find more information about us here:

• Te Wānanga o Waipapa
• Our People
• Pacific Studies
• Our Research

He kōrero mōu | About you

• Postgraduate degree or equivalent in Samoan or Pacific Studies or Teaching Language acquisition
• A deep knowledge of the Samoan language and culture
• Experience teaching language is required, ideally at the tertiary level
• Experience working with diverse student groups
• Ability to innovate and willingness to use new technology.
• A commitment to high quality teaching, underpinned by a knowledge of blended and innovative teaching practices

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What we offer

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

• Flexible employment practices
• Career development programmes
• A competitive salary with five weeks’ annual leave

We also offer a company superannuation scheme, discounted car parking, a generous parental leave allowance, discounted onsite childcare and a number of other discounts on internal and external services.

For more information please visit our Staff Benefits page.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

Applications must be submitted online by the closing date of 17 November 2024 to be considered. Please reach out to Professor Yvonne Underhill-Sem ([email protected]) for a confidential conversation. Please not we are happy to respond to questions but do not accept applications via email. 

Equity

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, LGBTQIATakatāpuiMVPFAFF+, people with disabilities, parenting support, flexible work and other personal circumstances go to www.equity.auckland.ac.nz

The University is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and equitable environment where everyone can thrive. For further information see Te Ara Tautika | the Equity Policy and visit www.equity.auckland.ac.nz