Tautua – Pacific Student Support Advisor
Introduction
Earlier this year, EIT | Te Pūkenga began a journey — E tū EIT, a chance to reshape our future together. To continue supporting our kaupapa, we are now seeking a full-time Tautua – Pacific Student Support Advisor, based at our Taradale Campus, to contribute to the next stage of that journey. This role reports to the Student Support Services Manager.
We acknowledge this has been a time of change and transition for many of our kaimahi. This role is an opportunity to look ahead — to bring your cultural leadership, pastoral care experience, and commitment to equity into mahi that reflects our values and vision, and to play a meaningful part in shaping what comes next.
Mō Tēnei Tūranga Mahi | About the Role
The Tautua – Pacific Student Support Advisor plays a vital role in supporting Pacific ākonga across all levels and disciplines. This role provides culturally responsive pastoral care, guidance, and advocacy to enhance learner confidence, wellbeing, and achievement. It also contributes to capability building across EIT by supporting kaimahi working with Pacific ākonga and fostering strong connections with Pacific communities.
You’ll lead initiatives that create a sense of belonging for Pacific ākonga, deliver training to build Pacific cultural competence, and collaborate across teams to ensure a holistic and inclusive support experience. This mahi is grounded in Pacific values and aligned with EIT’s commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, equity, and vocational education excellence.
Ngā Mahi | Key Responsibilities
- Provide pastoral support to Pacific ākonga individually, in groups, or online
- Use data and cultural frameworks to develop and implement strategic support plans
- Identify and support ākonga at academic risk through early intervention
- Host events and create opportunities for Pacific ākonga connection and belonging
- Deliver training and resources to build Pacific cultural competence among kaimahi
- Engage with Pacific community networks to support ākonga success
- Collaborate with support teams to ensure integrated, multidisciplinary support
- Refer ākonga to additional services as needed
- Monitor and evaluate the impact of support services using performance indicators
- Contribute to service planning and continuous improvement
- Comply with EIT policies and promote a safe, healthy workplace
- Stay current with research and developments relevant to the role
He Kōrero Mōu | About You
To be successful in this role, you will bring:
- Extensive lived experience of Pacific cultural protocols
- Confidence in representing Pacific cultures within EIT and the wider community
- Experience engaging and hosting Pacific visitors and groups
- Understanding of Te Ao Māori and bicultural communication
- Experience liaising with iwi and kaumatua
- Proven ability to provide pastoral support across diverse learner needs
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Experience working collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams
- Awareness of equity principles and inclusive education practices
- Competence in using learning management systems and databases
- A relevant tertiary qualification
Desirable:
- Experience in tertiary education or adult learning contexts
- Skills in designing and delivering resources and workshops
- Degree-level qualification in a relevant discipline
Mō Mātou | About Us
At EIT, we’re proud to be a vibrant and progressive tertiary institute with campuses in Tairāwhiti (Gisborne), Hawke’s Bay and Auckland, and to be building a future guided by the strengths and contributions of our kaimahi.
He Tauākī Whakamaunga Atu o Te Aho a Māui | EIT’s Mission
To provide high quality, relevant, accessible, and equitable tertiary education and training for the lifelong learning and achievement of learners, industries and the well-being of whānau and communities.
Our values underpin everything we do:
Herea te tangata – value and respect others
Herea te mana – uphold dignity and the mana of others
Herea te pono – act with integrity
Herea tō momoho – pursue success
We encourage you to apply — even if you don’t feel you meet every single requirement — if this opportunity feels like the right next step for you. What matters most are the skills, experience, and passion you bring, and how these can contribute to our future direction. Your mahi has the potential to make a lasting difference for ākonga, whānau, and communities.
We value diversity and inclusion and recognise that everyone’s journey is different. If you need any support to fully take part in the application process, please reach out in confidence to etueit@eit.ac.nz.
How to Apply
Please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your interest in the role and your relevant experience by clicking ‘Apply Now’. This will take you through to the role on our careers site.
If you have any questions, please email: etueit@eit.ac.nz
Applications for this role will take you to the advertisers site.
