Are you passionate about supporting rangatahi Māori to thrive in STEMM?

Pūhoro STEMM Academy is seeking a motivated Te Urunga Tū Kaihautū to help establish and grow our newly formed Pōneke (Wellington) region. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of the foundation of Pūhoro’s presence in the capital, building strong relationships with kura, tauira, and community partners from the ground up.

In the first year of delivery, this role will work exclusively with Year 11 tauira, supporting them at a critical transition point in their secondary schooling and helping to lay strong foundations for future STEMM pathways.

As a Kaihautū, you will sit at the centre of this kaupapa – supporting rangatahi Māori to realise their potential, strengthening connections between schools and tertiary pathways, and embedding Pūhoro’s kaupapa within the Wellington region.

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 – Pōneke, you will:

• Deliver Pūhoro programmes in secondary schools, supporting Year 11 rangatahi to realise their potential
• Build strong, trusted relationships with kura, tauira, whānau, iwi, and community partners
• Mentor and support tauira as they explore STEMM pathways and future opportunities
• Facilitate wānanga, workshops, and regional activities grounded in te ao Māori and STEMM
• Play a key role in establishing Pūhoro’s presence and reputation within the Wellington region

About You

You will thrive in this role if you:

• Are passionate about kaupapa Māori and rangatahi development
• Have experience engaging with young people and whānau
• Have knowledge of STEMM (or related fields) relevant to supporting NCEA-level learners
• Are confident building and maintaining relationships with a wide range of stakeholders
• Are comfortable operating in te ao Māori (te reo Māori proficiency is desirable but not essential)
• Bring initiative, adaptability, and a collaborative approach to your mahi

Position Details

Location: Pōneke / Wellington
Work arrangement: Initially work-from-home, with regular travel required to Pūhoro partner schools (a Pūhoro work vehicle will be provided). As Pūhoro establishes its presence in Wellington, it is anticipated that an office space will be secured, and this role will be required to work from that location.
Contract: Full-time, 12-month fixed-term (37.5 hours per week)
Salary band: $60,500 – $83,000
Job description: Click here to view

How to Apply

If you are excited by the opportunity to help establish Pūhoro in Pōneke and contribute to a kaupapa transforming Māori futures in STEMM, we encourage you to apply.

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

Applications close: 5pm, Tuesday 24 February

Please note: Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and we may begin interviewing suitable candidates prior to the closing date. Early applications are encouraged.

Shortlisted applicants will complete:

• An online interview
• Criminal record check
• Reference checks

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