Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Auckland
Te Pūtahi Mātauranga (The Faculty of Arts and Education), established in 2025, is Aotearoa's leading centre for humanities, social sciences, Indigenous studies, education and creative arts. The Faculty aims to be an outstanding centre of research and education, with a transformative impact on local communities, enhancing the global standing and reputation of the University and Aotearoa. We will focus on the human questions, propose fundamental values and new ways of thinking and act for a sustainable world of collective wellbeing.
Job Description
Te Whiwhinga Mahi | The opportunity
The Te Tahatū o te Rangi - MAI Promising Futures research project is seeking five casual Research Assistants (Interviewers) to join our kaupapa Māori study exploring the journeys of Māori PhD graduates involved in Te Kupenga o MAI. Running from 2025 to 2028, this national project aims to gather rich insights into the experiences of Māori scholars - and we’re building a team of skilled, empathetic interviewers to help us do that mahi.
As an interviewer, you’ll conduct one-on-one, semi-structured interviews during 2025 (and ideally beyond), helping to create a safe, welcoming space guided by tikanga Māori. Interviews will be in-person where possible and may require travel and overnight stays depending on your location and that of the participant. A rental vehicle will be arranged when required. Travel costs and allowances will be covered as part of this role.
This is a rare opportunity to contribute to kaupapa Māori research and engage kanohi ki te kanohi with some of our most inspiring Māori PhD graduates in Aotearoa. You’ll receive training and support from a tight-knit research team grounded in kaupapa Māori practice.
These are casual positions (no fixed hours or schedule).
For more detailed information about the role, refer to the Position Description.
Mō te tīma | About the project team
The MAI Promising Futures project is led by Professor Waimarie Nikora (Principal Investigator) and includes Dr Tania Cliffe-Tautari (Associate Investigator and Project Manager), Associate Professor Hinekura Smith, Associate Professor Deb Heke, and Dr Tim Newman-West. Together, the team brings deep expertise in Māori and Indigenous research, and a strong commitment to ethical and impactful scholarship.
Ngā āhuatanga kei a koe | What we’re looking for
We’re seeking interviewers who are:
- Have an undergraduate degree in any discipline or equivalent.
- Experienced in qualitative interviewing (or have related training), ideally with a background in kaupapa Māori research.
- Empathetic, thoughtful communicators who can build trust and hold space for meaningful conversation.
- Comfortable managing all stages of the interview process - including preparing by reviewing participant details and interview guidelines, setting up and testing recording equipment, and writing post-interview summaries.
- Able to liaise with participants and the project team to schedule interviews, send reminders, and ensure participants feel informed and comfortable.
- Hold a full NZ driver licence and are willing and able to travel, including possible overnight stays.
- Available to attend a training day in Auckland (date to be confirmed).
- Ideally interested in staying connected to the project through follow-up interview waves in 2026 and 2027.
- Committed to maintaining ethical research practices, including confidentiality, informed consent, and cultural safety. Te reo Māori fluency is not essential but is considered an advantage.
Ngā wāhi | Interviewer locations
We’re looking for five interviewers based across Aotearoa. One based in each of the following regions and main centres:
- Te Tai Tokerau (Northland and Auckland)
Main centres: Whangārei, Auckland, Kerikeri, Dargaville
Driving range: From Cape Rēinga to Tāmaki Makaurau
- Waikato, Bay of Plenty, and Taranaki
Main centres: Hamilton, Tauranga, Rotorua, New Plymouth
Driving range: Coromandel Peninsula, Waitomo, Mount Maunganui, Taranaki
- Te Ika-a-Māui South (Lower North Island)
Main centres: Wellington, Napier, Palmerston North
Driving range: Hawke’s Bay, Manawatū-Whanganui, wider Wellington region
- Te Tai Poutini and Waitaha (West Coast and Canterbury)
Main centres: Christchurch, Greymouth, Hokitika
Driving range: Arthur’s Pass, Aoraki/Mount Cook, and the West Coast
- Te Waipounamu South (Lower South Island)
Main centres: Dunedin, Queenstown, Invercargill
Driving range: Otago, Southland, Fiordland including Milford Sound and the Catlins
Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply
Applications must be submitted online, by the closing date of 24 June 2025 to be considered. Please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your interest and relevant experience. In your cover letter, please clearly indicate which region you are based in or would be willing to cover. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
Please direct enquiries to Dr Tania Cliffe-Tautari via [email protected]. Please note that we are happy to answer your questions, but we do not accept applications by email.
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Additional Information
Equity
The University is committed to meeting its obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi and achieving equity outcomes for staff and students in a safe, inclusive, and equitable environment. For further information on services for Māori, Pacific, women, LGBTQIATakatāpuiMVPFAFF+, people with disabilities, parenting support, flexible work and other personal circumstances go to www.equity.auckland.ac.nz
The University is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and equitable environment where everyone can thrive. For further information see Te Ara Tautika | the Equity Policy and visit www.equity.auckland.ac.nz
