Hauora Connector

About the team

At the University of Otago, the focus is on building a student experience that is caring, energetic, and inclusive. The team is committed to providing well-organised, high-quality services that keep students at the centre and work smoothly with the wider university community.

The Student Services Division partners with the university community to provide practical and easy-to-access support. This includes career guidance, assistance for Māori and Pacific Islands students, help with disability-related study needs, recreation, and Student Health services.

About the role

The Hauora Connector role is an important link for tauira (students), acting as a visible and approachable contact point across the University. The position helps students understand university systems and procedures, and directs them to the most suitable support service when needed. It also involves spotting concerns early, championing students within the institution, and encouraging better mental and physical wellbeing across the university community.

In this role, you will also promote the Hauora Connector service to increase awareness and accessibility, and create opportunities to engage with tauira and their whānau. Because this role supports the University's commitments under the Pastoral Care Code, it calls for a strong standard of pastoral care and leadership.

Skills and experience

The ideal candidate will have experience working with people from diverse backgrounds in Aotearoa, together with a tertiary qualification, preferably in a relevant area. You should also have experience supporting young adults, especially those in tertiary education, and a good working knowledge of university systems and processes.

A genuine interest in engaging with people from different cultures, faiths, languages, and lived experiences is essential. You also need to be able to set and maintain suitable boundaries while providing support.

Additional requirements

• Strong relationship-building ability, with the capacity to support and uplift individual mana.
• Knowledge gained through lived experience or work with refugee-background communities, including awareness of their diversity.
• Understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Te Ao Māori, Mātauraka Māori, and Te Reo Māori, or a willingness to develop this knowledge.
• Clear communication skills, including the ability to write reports and referrals.
• Confidence using digital tools for record keeping, data handling, and online communication.
• A flexible, adaptable, and professional working style.
• Strong knowledge of local community support services and agencies.
• Good understanding of the Pastoral Care Code.
• Awareness of equity and inclusion challenges in tertiary education.

Role details

This is a permanent full-time position of 37.5 hours per week, based in Ōtepoti, Dunedin.

The salary range for the role is NZD 80,749 to NZD 85,649, with a top-of-range rate of NZD 100,776.

Applicants must have the right to live and work in Aotearoa, New Zealand to be considered.

Application details

Applications must include a CV and cover letter. The closing date is Sunday, 5 July 2026, and applications should quote reference number 2600993.

Applications may be reviewed as they are received, and the University may close the vacancy early at its discretion. For further information, contact Genevieve Obbeek, Manager of Te Pou Whirinaki, using the email address provided in the original listing.