Senior Education Advisor - Whangarei

8d ago , from Kumaravine - Celebrating Māori & Pasifika success

We work to shape an education system that delivers equitable and excellent outcomes

Our organisation is made up of talented and committed people around Aotearoa, from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. While we work in different groups and on different things, we all strive every day to make the biggest difference we can for our students in our education system.

This is based in our Whangārei office, Te Tai Tokerau.

As a Senior Education Advisor, you will be able to make a difference in strengthening educational performance in schools and kura, with a particular focus on our Māori-medium kura across Tai Tokerau

There is a lot going on in the education system to improve attendance, and achievement through a knowledge-rich curriculum grounded in the science of learning.

We are also working to strengthen other areas, such as learning support interventions and the development of the education workforce. Our role is to work with the education sector to implement these and other priorities – including through proactive, consistent supports and services from our regional teams.

The Senior Education Advisor role is part of our Education Advisory service that supports the education sector to implement education priorities through :

Communicating government priorities and strategies and ensuring these are well understood and delivered on.

Identifying, brokering and providing implementation support.

Tracking and reporting on implementation progress.

Working with schools, kura and whānau to ensure students are attending and engaged in education

Utilising the suite of supports and interventions to advance attendance and achievement outcomes.

Salary range : $85,225 - $103,071 per annum + 3% kiwi saver. The successful candidate will be appointed at a salary which reflects individual skills and experience.

For more details about the role, you can view thejob description here .

About you | Mōhou ake

To be successful in this role, you will need :

A tertiary qualification in education or leadership, or an equivalent level of practical experience, preferably as an experienced Tumuaki.

Strong analytical skills and the ability to work with student achievement data to determine needs and priorities.

Experience in developing and implementing projects.

The ability to develop strong working relationships both within and outside the Ministry.

In-depth knowledge of Tikanga Māori and fluency in Te Reo Māori (written and spoken).

An understanding of education systems in New Zealand, and relevant education legislation.

An understanding of factors which influence learner achievement and participation.

Knowledge of the New Zealand National Curriculum, and Te Marauranga o Aotearoa, the curriculum for Māori immersion education.

An understanding of National Education and Learning Priorities (NELP), Ka Hikitia, the Action Plan for Pacific Education, and Success for All and how these documents impact on this work.

The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

You will demonstrate knowledge of Te Ao Māori and promote tikanga and Te Reo Māori. You will also have knowledge of te Tiriti o Waitangi (the Treaty of Waitangi) as it applies in the public sector.

You will also demonstrate :

Strong oral and written communication and interpersonal skills,

Proficiency in the use of Te Reo Māori

Te Mahau │ Te Tai Raro is the key interface between Te Mahau | Ministry of Education and education providers. It is our role to ensure that sector leaders and the communities in which they operate have access to the expertise, programmes and resources that will allow our children and young people to reach their full potential.

We give effect to government and ministry policy and support education and community leadership within a self-managing system, to bring about the positive changes required to lift aspiration and raise educational achievement for all.

If this opportunity interests you, please submit your cover letter and resume by using the ‘apply' button. In your cover letter we’d like to know about you, your values, or anything else you’d like to share. We’re keen to understand your motivations, strengths, transferable skills, and the diverse perspectives you will bring to the role.

For further information, please contact jody Barrell, Manager Integrated Services at

• @education.govt.nz

Applications close Midnight – Sunday 18 January 2026.

Shortlisting will commence the week beginning 19 January 2026.

Interviews are estimated to take place the week beginning 27 January 2026.

We want our people to feel valued for their unique qualities and have a sense of belonging. If you require assistance or adjustments to fully participate in the recruitment process, please let us know.

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