Hauora Connector
- University of Otago
- New Zealand
- Jun 23, 2026
Job Description:
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STUDENT WELLBEING HUB | TE POU WHIRINAKI
STUDENT SERVICES | TE RATONGA ĀKONGA
About our team | Mō te tīma
At the University of Otago, our role is to create a supportive, vibrant, and inclusive student experience that everyone can enjoy. Our dedicated staff are committed to delivering high-quality, student-centred services that are well-coordinated and seamlessly integrated with the broader university community.
The Student Services Division works alongside the university community to offer practical, accessible, and high-quality support including career advice, support for Māori and Pacific Islands students, disability-related study assistance, recreation, and Student Health.
The role | Te mahi
This position plays a vital role in supporting tauira (students) by serving as a recognisable and approachable point of connection within the University. The role is centred on helping tauira confidently navigate university systems and processes, while also connecting them to the most appropriate support services when needed. It involves identifying any areas of concern early, advocating for tauira across the institution, and promoting strong mental and physical health within the wider University community.
As an important advocate, you will actively market and promote the Hauora Connector service ensuring visibility and access, creating opportunities to connect with both tauira and their whānau. In line with the University's commitment to the Pastoral Care Code, this position requires a high standard of pastoral support and leadership.
A primary focus of this position is supporting rainbow tauira, ensuring they feel safe, connected, affirmed, and able to thrive during their university experience. The Hauora Connector will work proactively to understand and respond to the unique challenges and barriers that rainbow students may encounter, providing culturally responsive pastoral support, advocacy, and connection to appropriate university and community services.
Your skills and experience | Kā pūkeka me kā wheako
You will have experience working with people with diverse backgrounds in Aotearoa, along with a tertiary qualification ideally in a relevant field. You’ll bring experience supporting young adults, particularly those in tertiary education, and will have a solid understanding of university systems and processes.
We are particularly interested in hearing from applicants who have experience delivering wellbeing, pastoral care, advocacy, or community support within rainbow communities and who are passionate about improving outcomes for rainbow tauira in tertiary education.
A genuine and proven interest in engaging with individuals from diverse cultures, faiths, languages, and life experiences is essential. Additionally, the ability to establish and maintain appropriate boundaries while offering support is a key requirement. Other key skills and experience required:
• Strong relationship-building skills (whakawhanaukataka) - ability to enhance individual mana.
• Understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Te Ao and Mātauraka Māori, and Te Reo Māori, or a willingness to learn.
• Demonstrated experience supporting, advocating for, or working alongside rainbow communities, with a strong understanding of the diverse identities, experiences, strengths, and challenges within these communities.
• Commitment to providing affirming, inclusive, and mana-enhancing support for rainbow tauira and creating environments where diversity is celebrated and respected.
• Clear and effective communication skills, including report and referral writing.
• Proficiency in digital tools for documentation, data management, and virtual communication.
• Flexible, adaptable, and professional approach.
• In-depth knowledge of local community support networks and agencies.
• Strong understanding of the Pastoral Care Code.
• Awareness of equity and inclusion issues in tertiary education.
Further details | Pūroko
This is a full time (37.5 hours per week), permanent position, based in Ōtepoti, Dunedin.
The appointment range for this role is $80,749 to $85,649. Top of range $100,776.
You must have the right to live and work in Aotearoa, New Zealand to be considered for this position.
For further information, please contact Genevieve Obbeek, Manager of Te Pou Whirinaki via the email address below.
Application | Tono
To submit your application (including CV and cover letter) please click the apply button below. Applications quoting reference number 2600993 will close on Sunday, 5 July 2026.
Applications may be reviewed as they are received. The University reserves the right to close this vacancy at any time.
Additional Information
Contact: Genevieve Obbeek
Position details: Job Description
Further Information: Department Website
Create an email with a link to this vacancy: Create email
Location: About Dunedin
Job ID:
Location:
Job Views:
Job Description:
__________
STUDENT WELLBEING HUB | TE POU WHIRINAKI
STUDENT SERVICES | TE RATONGA ĀKONGA
About our team | Mō te tīma
At the University of Otago, our role is to create a supportive, vibrant, and inclusive student experience that everyone can enjoy. Our dedicated staff are committed to delivering high-quality, student-centred services that are well-coordinated and seamlessly integrated with the broader university community.
The Student Services Division works alongside the university community to offer practical, accessible, and high-quality support including career advice, support for Māori and Pacific Islands students, disability-related study assistance, recreation, and Student Health.
The role | Te mahi
This position plays a vital role in supporting tauira (students) by serving as a recognisable and approachable point of connection within the University. The role is centred on helping tauira confidently navigate university systems and processes, while also connecting them to the most appropriate support services when needed. It involves identifying any areas of concern early, advocating for tauira across the institution, and promoting strong mental and physical health within the wider University community.
As an important advocate, you will actively market and promote the Hauora Connector service ensuring visibility and access, creating opportunities to connect with both tauira and their whānau. In line with the University's commitment to the Pastoral Care Code, this position requires a high standard of pastoral support and leadership.
A primary focus of this position is supporting rainbow tauira, ensuring they feel safe, connected, affirmed, and able to thrive during their university experience. The Hauora Connector will work proactively to understand and respond to the unique challenges and barriers that rainbow students may encounter, providing culturally responsive pastoral support, advocacy, and connection to appropriate university and community services.
Your skills and experience | Kā pūkeka me kā wheako
You will have experience working with people with diverse backgrounds in Aotearoa, along with a tertiary qualification ideally in a relevant field. You’ll bring experience supporting young adults, particularly those in tertiary education, and will have a solid understanding of university systems and processes.
We are particularly interested in hearing from applicants who have experience delivering wellbeing, pastoral care, advocacy, or community support within rainbow communities and who are passionate about improving outcomes for rainbow tauira in tertiary education.
A genuine and proven interest in engaging with individuals from diverse cultures, faiths, languages, and life experiences is essential. Additionally, the ability to establish and maintain appropriate boundaries while offering support is a key requirement. Other key skills and experience required:
• Strong relationship-building skills (whakawhanaukataka) - ability to enhance individual mana.
• Understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Te Ao and Mātauraka Māori, and Te Reo Māori, or a willingness to learn.
• Demonstrated experience supporting, advocating for, or working alongside rainbow communities, with a strong understanding of the diverse identities, experiences, strengths, and challenges within these communities.
• Commitment to providing affirming, inclusive, and mana-enhancing support for rainbow tauira and creating environments where diversity is celebrated and respected.
• Clear and effective communication skills, including report and referral writing.
• Proficiency in digital tools for documentation, data management, and virtual communication.
• Flexible, adaptable, and professional approach.
• In-depth knowledge of local community support networks and agencies.
• Strong understanding of the Pastoral Care Code.
• Awareness of equity and inclusion issues in tertiary education.
Further details | Pūroko
This is a full time (37.5 hours per week), permanent position, based in Ōtepoti, Dunedin.
The appointment range for this role is $80,749 to $85,649. Top of range $100,776.
You must have the right to live and work in Aotearoa, New Zealand to be considered for this position.
For further information, please contact Genevieve Obbeek, Manager of Te Pou Whirinaki via the email address below.
Application | Tono
To submit your application (including CV and cover letter) please click the apply button below. Applications quoting reference number 2600993 will close on Sunday, 5 July 2026.
Applications may be reviewed as they are received. The University reserves the right to close this vacancy at any time.
Additional Information
Contact: Genevieve Obbeek
Position details: Job Description
Further Information: Department Website
Create an email with a link to this vacancy: Create email
Location: About Dunedin
Posted:
