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OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY VICE-CHANCELLOR, MĀORI
Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka / The University of Otago are committed to Te Tiriti as set out in Pae Tata and Vision 2040. Our Vision / Ko te Aronga is for our people and knowledge to transform lives, connect communities and nurture the environment in Otago, Te Waipounamu, Aotearoa, the Pacific, and the world. Nau mai haere mai - join us on this journey!
Ko te pae tawhiti, whāia ki tata. Ko te pae tata, whakamaua kia tina.
Seek distant horizons and draw them near. Pursue and grasp the near horizon.
Te tūraka mahi / The role
We are pleased to invite applications for the newly established position of Dean – Māori Research, a senior academic leadership role that will play a critical part in strengthening the University’s Māori research environment and advancing our commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
In this role, you will provide high level academic leadership, advice, and strategic direction to support and facilitate the development of research policies, plans, and practices that reflect and advance Māori research aspirations. A key focus of the role is growing the impact and quality of Māori-led research across the University, while promoting ethical, culturally grounded approaches that align with te ao Māori and uphold tikanga and mātauranga Māori.
As a senior member of the Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Māori, you will work in close partnership with Māori researchers, academic divisions, and the Research Division to lead Priority 5 of the Whakamana i te Tiriti o Waitangi Domain Plan, and contribute meaningfully to the aspirations outlined in Pae Tata 2030 and Te Aka Matua | Māori Strategic Framework 2030.
You will also support the development of key research relationships with iwi, hapū, and Māori entities, contribute to national and international Indigenous research networks, and provide expert guidance on sector trends, ethics, Māori data sovereignty, and Māori postgraduate research.
This is a unique opportunity to help shape the future of kaupapa Māori research at a national level, influence institutional strategy, and contribute to the University’s vision of research that reflects and serves Māori communities.
Ōu pūkeka me ōu wheako / Your skills and experience
- Proven academic leadership experience, with a strong record in Māori research, teaching, and postgraduate supervision.
- A deep understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its application in a tertiary research context.
- Expertise in kaupapa Māori research, ethical frameworks, and Māori research strategy.
- Foundational or higher proficiency in te reo Māori me ōna tikaka.
- Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with Māori researchers, communities, iwi, and national stakeholders.
- Experience supporting postgraduate research and fostering high-impact research collaborations.
- Familiarity with research funding systems, ethics, and Māori data sovereignty.
- Involvement in national and international Indigenous research initiatives or networks.
- Prior contribution to research ethics or Māori intellectual property policies.
- Experience with funding assessments or PBRF (or equivalent) frameworks.
Mō tō mātou tīma / About our team
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Māori Office provides strategic advice to whakamana i Te Tiriti o Waitangi in the academic and research domains of the University.
Ētahi atu pāroko / Further details
This is a part-time, 0.5 FTE fixed-term position for a period of three years, located in Ōtepoti, Dunedin.
The University of Otago is a workplace that values and utilises diverse and inclusive thinking, people and behaviours. This means that we honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi and that the contributions of staff with diverse backgrounds, experiences, skills and perspectives are valued and respected.
You must have the right to live and work in New Zealand to apply for this job.
For further information, or to discuss the role in confidence – please contact Deputy Vice Chancellor Māori Distinguished Professor Jacinta Ruru, via the contact details.
Tāu tono / Your application
Applications quoting reference number 2501192 will close on Sunday 31 August 2025. #LI-DNI
