Iwi Partnerships Manager

Shape the future of medical education in Aotearoa through authentic iwi partnerships and strategic leadership.

Are you a respected leader with strong cultural mana, proven expertise in Māori engagement, and the ability to influence change at a national level? 

Unique opportunity to ensure iwi aspirations are embedded into the establishment of New Zealand Graduate School of Medicine

Ngā kōrero mō te tūranga – About the role

As Iwi Partnerships Manager, you will provide strategic leadership and oversight of iwi, hapū, and Māori engagement for the New Zealand Graduate School of Medicine (NZGSM). You will develop and deliver a comprehensive iwi engagement strategy, grounded in Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the principles of the Kingitanga, ensuring Māori voices are integral to governance, curriculum, and operations.

This role will be pivotal to embedding equity, Māori success, and mana-enhancing practices into the foundations of the Medical School. You will represent the University at iwi hui, health sector forums, and national engagements, advocating for community-informed approaches that shape health workforce development and long-term outcomes across Aotearoa.

The position is full-time (37.5 hours per week) and based at our Hillcrest Campus in Hamilton, with regular regional and national travel required. Salary will reflect the seniority, experience, and mana you bring to the role. 

For more information about the role, please see the position description. For a confidential kōrero, please contact Manishi Kohli, Director Medical School Establishment Programme, at manishi.kohli@waikato.ac.nz. All applications must be submitted through the online portal, emailed applications will not be accepted.

Ko wai koe? – Who are you?

You are an influential leader who has earned the trust of iwi, hapū, and Māori communities. With deep knowledge of tikanga Māori and proven experience in Māori health, community, or education engagement, you are recognised for your ability to navigate complex, multi-stakeholder environments with integrity, diplomacy, and vision.

You Will Bring:

• Recognition of cultural authority and demonstrated credibility with iwi and Māori health providers.
• Significant experience in Māori community engagement, co-design, or kaupapa Māori programme development.
• A track record of building and sustaining high-level partnerships with iwi, government agencies, and sector leaders.
• Exceptional relationship management, advocacy, and negotiation skills.
• Experience in people leadership, fostering collaborative and high-performing teams.
• A values-driven approach that reflects a commitment to equity and the University’s partnership with Māori under Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

Relevant tertiary qualifications are desirable, but your standing and mana within iwi, hapū, and Māori communities will be paramount.

Don’t meet every single requirement?

Research shows that some people are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every qualification. At The University of Waikato, we’re committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and genuine workplace. So, if you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t perfectly match every listed qualification, we still encourage you to apply. You might be just the right person for this or another opportunity on our team.

Ko wai mātou? – Who are we? 

The Division of Health at the University of Waikato is dedicated to achieving better, fairer health outcomes across Aotearoa. Our work spans Biomedical Sciences, Health Promotion, Human Performance Science, Midwifery, Nursing, Pharmacy, and Sport Development and Coaching. A central strategic priority is the New Zealand Graduate School of Medicine (NZGSM), which will welcome its first cohort of students in 2028.

The NZGSM will stand apart for its strong partnerships with iwi and communities, commitment to equity, and focus on preparing graduates who are culturally responsive, collaborative, and ready to serve regional and rural communities

He aha ngā take me tono mai ai koe? – Why should you apply for this position?

This is a rare opportunity to take a leadership role in building a Medical School that reflects the aspirations of iwi and advances equity for all. You will influence the future of health education and the health workforce in Aotearoa, ensuring that Māori success is woven into the very fabric of the NZGSM.

At the University of Waikato, we value integrity, creativity, diversity, and our enduring partnership with Māori. We are committed to a workplace that is inclusive and mana-enhancing, and we welcome applications from candidates with the skills, authority, and vision to help us achieve our goals.

Our rankings reflect these strengths. Working with us means you’ll enjoy a satisfying work environment with many benefits.

The University of Waikato is distinctive for the diversity of its staff and students and encourages applicants with the relevant capabilities from all backgrounds to apply. Applicants must have the legal right to live and work in NZ in accordance with the NZ Immigration regulations which can be found here. 

Ko te Tangata – For the People

The University of Waikato prides itself on the quality of its engagement with the communities that it serves, the provision of a world-class education and the national and international impact of its research. Our policies are guided by the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi and equal opportunity for all. 

E herea ana te Whare Wānanga ki te kaupapa kia whakaratohia te mea angitū ōrite ki ngā tāngata katoa.

Applications Close on Friday 10th October 2025 

Requisition number: 1002965

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