Palu Navigator (Excellence, Success & Higher Degrees)

Job Description:

• Champion academic excellence, learner success and higher degrees research.
• Support learners, families and communities to thrive.
• Join a values-led team grounded in Pacific knowledge.

Ngā kōrero mō te tūranga – About the role

Inspired by the legacy of Pacific wayfinders, the Palu Navigator (Excellence, Success & Higher Degrees) plays a key role in supporting Pacific learners to achieve academic success and progress into postgraduate study.

Based at our Hamilton Campus, you will work closely with students striving for excellence and success in undergraduate study through to higher degrees—providing tailored guidance, connecting them with the right services, and supporting their aspirations for academic achievement, employment and further study.

You will also contribute to the design and delivery of initiatives that strengthen Pacific learner achievement, particularly in areas such as postgraduate study, research pathways, and underrepresented fields including STEM. This includes workshops, events, and engagement with families, schools, and communities to build awareness and aspiration.

This is a relationship-focused role where your ability to work in culturally responsive ways, build trust, and uplift others will have a lasting impact on learners and their communities.

Salary will be in the range of $60,046 to $72,636 per year, based on skills, knowledge and experience brought to the position. This is a permanent full-time role (37.5 hours a week), based on our Hamilton Campus.

For more information on the role please see the position description. For a confidential conversation about the role, please contact Dr Keaka Hemi, Assistant Vice-Chancellor Pacific, keaka.hemi@waikato.ac.nz. All applications must be submitted through the online portal, emailed applications will not be accepted.

Ko wai koe? – Who are you?

You are passionate about supporting Pacific learners and are committed to working in ways that reflect Pacific values such as alofa/ofa/aloha, manaakitanga, and tautua.

You are approachable, culturally responsive, and confident building relationships with students and the wider community. You enjoy working both independently and as part of a collaborative team.

You will bring:

• Experience working with Pacific learners, families, or communities
• Strong cultural competence and relationship-building skills
• Excellent communication and organisational abilities
• A relevant tertiary qualification or equivalent experience

Fluency in a Pacific language and experience in tertiary education or student support would be advantageous.

Ko wai mātou? – Who are we?

The AVC Pacific portfolio, also known as Pacific at Waikato (PaW), currently delivers eight programmes ranging from high school and transition into study to higher degrees, research and professional development which are designed to smooth and create pathways through cultural legacies of learning and leadership.

Pacific at Waikato (PaW) leads the University’s commitment to advancing Pacific success, wellbeing, and aspirations. Our work is grounded in Pacific values such as alofa/ofa/aloha (care), tautua (service), manaakitanga (respect and support), and sautu (collective wellbeing). We work alongside students, families, and communities to strengthen pathways into education and support lifelong success.

He aha ngā take me tono mai ai koe? – Why should you apply for this position?

We want you to be part of our success! Our university stands proudly on the world stage as a provider of future-focused, international education and an active player in global research. Our rankings reflect these strengths. Working with us means you’ll enjoy a satisfying work environment with many benefits.

The University of Waikato is distinctive for the diversity of its staff and students and encourages applicants with the relevant capabilities from all backgrounds to apply. Applicants must have the legal right to live and work in NZ in accordance with the NZ Immigration regulations which can be found here.

Ko te Tangata – For the People

The University of Waikato prides itself on the quality of its engagement with the communities that it serves, the provision of a world-class education and the national and international impact of its research. Our policies are guided by the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi and equal opportunity for all.

E herea ana te Whare Wānanga ki te kaupapa kia whakaratohia te mea angitū ōrite ki ngā tāngata katoa.

Applications Close on Monday April 27, 2026

Requisition number: 1003567

Posted: 10/04/2026