Are you energetic, enthusiastic and passionate about supporting rangatahi to thrive?

Pūhoro STEMM are on the hunt for a motivated Te Urunga Tū Kaihautū to join our established Manawatū team. As the region where Pūhoro first began, Manawatū holds a special place in our kaupapa, with long-standing relationships across our kura and a proud history supporting rangatahi in STEMM.

You’ll join a young, proactive, close-knit team working alongside another Kaihautū and a Kaihautū Lead. As one of our largest regions, Manawatū currently works across nine different schools.

You’ll also be joining at an exciting time. With school delivery wrapping up at the end of Term 3, you’ll move into planning for 2027 and prepare to welcome a new cohort of approximately 130 Year 11 tauira. You’ll journey alongside this same cohort through Years 11, 12 and 13, giving you the opportunity to build deep, trusted relationships and support their aspirations as they progress through Pūhoro.

As a Kaihautū, you sit at the centre of our kaupapa, connecting with rangatahi, helping them realise their potential, strengthening tertiary pathways, and bringing energy and enthusiasm to their Pūhoro experience.

About Pūhoro STEMM Academy

Pūhoro is a kaupapa Māori organisation dedicated to accelerating Māori success in STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Mātauranga). Operating nationally, Pūhoro supports thousands of rangatahi Māori through culturally grounded, future-focused programmes that foster STEMM capability, cultural identity, and meaningful connections to tertiary study, industry, and high-value careers.

The Role

As the Te Urunga Tū Kaihautū – Manawatū, you will:

• Deliver regular in-school sessions across our Manawatū secondary schools
• Build strong, trusted relationships with tauira and support the same cohort throughout their Year 11–13 journey
• Mentor and support rangatahi as they explore STEMM pathways, tertiary study and future opportunities
• Facilitate wānanga, workshops and regional activities grounded in te ao Māori and STEMM
• Build and maintain positive relationships with kura, whānau and regional partners
• Work collaboratively with your Manawatū team to plan and deliver meaningful experiences for rangatahi

About You

First and foremost, you’ll be someone who relates well to rangatahi. You’ll bring energy and enthusiasm to your mahi, communicate naturally with young people and be motivated by seeing them grow in confidence and realise their potential.

You will thrive in this role if you:

• Are enthusiastic, energetic and passionate about rangatahi development
• Can build genuine connections and trusted relationships with young people
• Are passionate about kaupapa Māori and comfortable operating in te ao Māori
• Have experience engaging with rangatahi, whānau and kura
• Have knowledge of STEMM (or related fields) relevant to supporting NCEA-level learners
• Are confident facilitating groups and creating engaging learning experiences
• Bring initiative, adaptability and a collaborative approach to your mahi
• Are organised and comfortable travelling regularly across the region

Position Details

Location: Palmerston North
Work arrangement: Regular travel is required across the region for in-school delivery, including to locations such as Feilding and Dannevirke. A Pūhoro work vehicle will be provided for work-related travel.
Contract: Full-time (37.5 hours per week), 12-month fixed term with possibility of extension
Salary band: $64,682.50-$85,182.50

Click here for a copy of the job description.

How to Apply

Please send your CV, cover letter and the date you would be available to start to l.ruwhiu@puhoro.org.nz

We encourage you to apply early as applicants may be invited to attend an interview before the application closure date

Applications close: 25 September 9pm.

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