Manager Hākitekura

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About Us / Mō Mātou

The University of Otago / Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka is New Zealand’s first university and has a proud tradition of academic excellence and world-class research. Te-Ahi-o-Hākitekura (Refuge Point) is a small point on the southern shores of Whakatipu; Waimaori Hakitekura, a Kati Mamoe woman, was the first person to swim across the lake. Hākitekura is the name given to an academic retreat and conference venue donated to the University and is 8 kms south of Queenstown airport.

The Role / Te Mahi

Hākitekura is a 65-person capacity, multi-room facility, currently undergoing renovations in preparation for its future role as an academic retreat, conference and events facility. We are seeking an experienced, highly organized manager to play a key role in the operational stand up and launch of this venue. This role will identify key client bases and foster partnerships with local service providers, then operate as onsite residential manager. A key aspect of this position is upholding the historic, cultural, and amenity values of the property, the values of the University and maintaining a respectful and enduring relationship with the donors and their representatives. The position is an onsite residential role with a three-bedroom house provided (under construction) in early July 2026. The successful candidate should be prepared to work remotely prior to that time. The Manager will ensure the venue consistently exceeds client expectations through the delivery of professional, high-quality, customer-focused service, and coordinate local services and suppliers to meet their needs. The expectation is to maintain the venue’s long-term sustainability and reputation by balancing its unique role within the University with its commercial activities.

Your skills and experience / Kā Pūkeka Me Kā Wheako

We are looking for a manager who is / has :

• Experience in managing operations with multiple service providers and diverse client bases, including domestic, international and commercial clients.
• Able to operationally stand up this new venue and establish a base of suitable clients.
• Demonstrated expertise in core general management areas including financial systems, marketing, sales and budget oversight.
• Superb communication, negotiation, influencing and organisational skills.
• Capable of an effective work-life balance that comes with residing onsite, including excellent time management skills.

Further Details / Pūroko

This is a unique opportunity to take a hands-on role in all aspects of operational stand up, venue management, and transforming a new enterprise into a world-class university service. Applicants must possess a full, clean, and current New Zealand driver licence; the venue will have its own vehicle for business use. This position is permanent, full-time (37.5 hours per week), located in Queenstown. The appointment range for this role is $101,739 to $110,396 per annum, top of range is $119,053 per annum. As this will become a live-in position in July 2026, you will be required to reside in the accommodation provided by the University. In addition to your salary, an allowance will be paid to offset the cost of the accommodation, once on-site. We offer five weeks annual leave per annum and a 6.75% superannuation scheme. You must have the right to live and work in New Zealand to apply for this role. For further information, or to discuss this role in confidence please contact James Lindsay, Director of Campus & Collegiate Life Services via the contact details below.

Application / Tono

To submit your application (including CV and cover letter) please click the apply button below. Applications quoting reference number will close on Sunday 26 October.

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Note : This description has been refined for readability and compliance. It retains the core responsibilities, requirements and application details of the original posting.

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