Ahorangi | Professor of Māori Studies

Kelburn, Wellington, New Zealand (On-site)

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Job Description

• Can you bring your knowledge and leadership to a collaborative and dynamic programme?
• Are you a senior academic ready to play a central role in leading the implementation of the University’s Te Reo Māori Plan?
• Do you have a PhD in Māori Studies, or a relevant field, and demonstrated excellence in teaching, research, and engagement? 

Kōrero mō te tūranga - About the role

Nau mai, haere mai ki Te Kawa a Māui—Ka aronui atu te kura nei ki te whai i te mātauranga Māori, ki te whakaako me te rangahau i te ao Māori. He mea whakakaha i te tangata whenua mā te tuitui ki ngā hāpori Māori me te whakamārama i ō mātou haepapa tangata Tiriti. E noho ana a Te Kawa a Māui i te Iho, he huinga whare kōrero kei te Pā Mataora me te marae o Te Tumu Herenga Waka.Kei te kimihia he ahorangi reo Māori hei kōkiri hei whakatina i te mahere reo i Te Kawa a Māui tatū atu ki Te Herenga Waka.

Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington is currently recruiting an Ahorangi - Professor of Māori Studies to join Te Kawa a Māui - School of Māori Studies on a permanent, full-time basis. 

This senior academic role provides strategic leadership in te reo Māori teaching, research, and community engagement. The successful candidate will play a central role in implementing and advancing our Te Reo Māori Plan within Te Kawa a Māui and across the University.

Located at Te Iho, a purpose‑built hub of learning based within Pā Mataora and the Te Tumu Herenga Waka marae, Te Kawa a Māui is a place where culture, scholarship, and community thrive. We proudly uphold our Te Tiriti responsibilities. This is an opportunity to make a significant and lasting contribution to the future of te reo Māori within a leading tertiary institution. You will join a supportive team committed to excellence, innovation, and the promotion of Māori knowledge and language. Our programmes, staff, and students form a vibrant and active Māori community.

Ō pūmanawa - About you

This is a pivotal senior academic role for someone passionate about championing te reo, growing capability, and inspiring the next generation of Māori Language scholars. You will be dedicated to advancing mātauranga Māori through high-quality teaching, innovative research, and meaningful engagement. You will lead the implementation and ongoing development of our Te Reo Māori Plan, contributing to a highly collaborative learning and research environment. 

To be successful in this role, you will demonstrate:

• A strong academic record in Māori language scholarship and research.
• Extensive experience in tertiary level teaching and curriculum development.
• Demonstrated record of attracting and successfully supervising students at Master’s and PhD level.
• Proven academic leadership capability and the ability to influence across diverse stakeholder groups.
• A proven record of mentorship of academic colleagues.
• A demonstrated deep commitment to the advancement and revitalisation of te reo Māori.
• Strong connections with Māori communities and an ability to work confidently in kaupapa Māori environments.
• A proven record of publicly contributing as an expert in the discipline.

Role Description: Click here to see further information, including salary details. If this link is not available, click 'apply' to view this on the University careers page. 

Close date for vacancy: 03 April 2026.

Contact details for vacancy: If you have any questions regarding this role please get in touch with Dr Mike Ross, Tumuaki - Head of School (mike.ross@vuw.ac.nz).

How to apply: Please ensure you are applying for this role directly on our careers page and not via email. Candidates must submit supporting documents along with their resume, such as a cover letter.

We can only consider applicants who are citizens or residents of New Zealand or Australia or on a current working visa. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and we may progress with suitable applicants prior to the application closing date. Applications from recruitment agencies are not accepted.

Mō Te Herenga Waka - About Our University

Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington is renowned for its high-quality research and exceptional teaching. We attract people from around the world. Our university campus spans Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington - the creative, scientific and political centre of Aotearoa New Zealand - and our students thrive on the connections we have made here.

Explore the many benefits of working at Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington. Find out where you fit in our strategic direction and learn more about our research expertise.

Ētahi kōrero hai āwhina i a koe - Why you should join our team

Step into Te Kawa a Māui - School of Māori Studies, where the legacy of Māori culture is woven into the fabric of academic pursuit. Our school is a leader in Indigenous scholarship, offering a unique blend of traditional knowledge and contemporary research. As a member of our team, you’ll collaborate on transformative projects, celebrate Māori heritage, and drive forward the understanding of Aotearoa’s Indigenous peoples. Join us and make a lasting impact in a field that reveres the past and shapes the future.

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Job Info

• Job Identification 1009370
• Job Category Academic
• Posting Date 03/11/2026, 11:13 PM
• Apply Before 04/03/2026, 10:55 AM
• Job Schedule Full time
• Locations Level 3, Wellington, 6012, NZ (On-site)