He ara hou, he kaupapa hou – help lay the foundations for Pūhoro in Te Tai Rāwhiti.

Are you passionate about uplifting rangatahi Māori and grounded in your connection to Te Tai Rāwhiti?

Pūhoro STEMM Academy is seeking a dynamic and community-connected Te Urunga Tū Kaihautū to lead the early establishment of our kaupapa in Te Tai Rāwhiti. This is a unique opportunity to help shape Pūhoro’s presence in the region from the ground up, working alongside kura, whānau, iwi and industry to build strong foundations for long-term impact.

This role will focus on engaging with kura and identifying Year 10 rangatahi ahead of an initial Term 4 2026 event, designed to introduce tauira to the kaupapa and begin building connection. From there, you will help transition the region into a more established delivery model in 2027.

As a Kaihautū, you will play a critical role in ensuring Te Tai Rāwhiti rangatahi are seen, supported, and inspired to pursue pathways in STEMM, grounded in their identity and connection to te ao Māori.

About Pūhoro STEMM Academy

Pūhoro is a kaupapa Māori organisation dedicated to accelerating Māori success in STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Mātauranga). Active across Aotearoa, we support thousands of rangatahi Māori through culturally grounded, future-focused programmes that strengthen identity, capability, and connection to opportunity.

The Role

As a Te Urunga Tū Kaihautū in Te Tai Rāwhiti, you will:

·      Lead the establishment of Pūhoro in the region ahead of a launch in late 2026 and programme roll out in Term 1 2027.

·      Build strong relationships with kura, whānau, iwi, and community stakeholders

·      Identify and engage Year 10 rangatahi to participate in a foundational noho experience

·      Facilitate early-stage delivery that introduces rangatahi to the Pūhoro kaupapa

·      Support the transition into a full regional delivery model from 2027 onwards

·      Travel across Aotearoa to attend wānanga and learn from established regions and Kaihautū

·      Ensure the kaupapa reflects the identity, aspirations, and strengths of Te Tai Rāwhiti

About You

This role requires someone deeply connected to Te Tai Rāwhiti and its people. You will succeed if you:

·      Have strong whakapapa or lived connection to Te Tai Rāwhiti and established networks across the region

·      Are confident and capable in te reo Māori and comfortable operating in te ao Māori

·      Have a strong connection to te taiao and can weave this into your engagement with rangatahi

·      Are passionate about supporting rangatahi Māori, particularly in regional and remote communities

·      Can relate to the lived realities, challenges, and opportunities for rangatahi in Te Tai Rāwhiti

·      Are a natural relationship builder with whānau, kura, iwi, and community leaders

·      Bring initiative, adaptability, and a willingness to build something new

Note: While knowledge of STEMM is beneficial, for this role, strong cultural grounding and community connection are prioritised.

Position Details

Location: Te Tai Rāwhiti (Gisborne and wider region, regular travel required, work vehicle provided)
Contract: Full-time, 12-month fixed-term (37.5 hours per week)
Salary Band: $60,500 – $83,000
Job description: Click here

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How to Apply

If you’re ready to help lay the foundations for a kaupapa that will transform futures for Te Tai Rāwhiti rangatahi, we encourage you to apply.

Send your CV and cover letter to l.ruwhiu2@puhoro.org.nz

Applications close: 5pm Monday 8 July

Shortlisted applicants will complete:

·      An initial online interview, followed by a face-to-face interview

·      Criminal record check

·      Reference checks