Pacific Advisor

Role overview

Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury is seeking a Pacific Advisor to join its Pacific Development Team within the Pacific Knowledge & Culture Hub in Ōtautahi | Christchurch, Aotearoa New Zealand. This is a one-year fixed-term appointment covering parental leave, with 37.5 hours of work each week.

About the team and purpose

The Pacific Knowledge and Cultural Hub, which includes the Pacific Development Team, is focused on strengthening academic success, cultural belonging, lifelong capability, and community connections for Pacific people across the university and wider community.

In this role, you will help improve Pacific student retention, achievement, and completion through wraparound support, practical guidance, and the delivery of targeted workshops, programmes, and events.

What you will do

You will work closely with the Director of Pacific Development and the Senior Advisor as part of a team that delivers holistic support and opportunities for Pacific students, along with selected initiatives for staff and the wider community.

• Provide advice and pastoral support that responds to the academic, social, and cultural needs of Pacific students.
• Develop and run cohort-based workshops, programmes, and events.
• Contribute to initiatives that strengthen Pacific student engagement and success.
• Support project teams and help deliver agreed outcomes.
• Prepare reports, communicate clearly, and present information effectively.

About you

We are looking for someone with at least 4 years’ experience in a similar role and a strong understanding of the academic, social, and cultural realities facing Pacific students.

• You bring empathy, cultural awareness, and sound judgment when working with Pacific students.
• You have a solid understanding of Pacific languages, customs, and protocols.
• You have experience supporting project teams and delivering results.
• You communicate well, listen carefully, and write reports confidently.
• You are highly organised, comfortable presenting, and able to demonstrate leadership.
• You have worked with Pacific support networks and external agencies.
• You can juggle multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• You are proficient with MS Office applications.

Working with us

You will be part of a supportive Pacific Development Team that provides holistic support, opportunities, programmes, and events for Pacific students at UC, as well as some activities for staff and the broader community.

Benefits and terms

• 4 weeks of annual leave plus 5 university holiday days.
• Employer superannuation contribution of up to 6.75%.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Supportive working environment.
• Retail discounts across shopping, entertainment, and travel.
• On-campus staff discounts.
• Access to UC facilities such as UC RecCentre and the Staff Club at discounted rates.
• Onsite cafés and eateries.
• Work in revitalised Ōtautahi | Christchurch.
• Beautiful campus environment.

Application details

Applications must be submitted through the university’s careers website and should include both a cover letter and a resume. Email applications are not accepted. Questions about the application process may be sent to WorkatUC@canterbury.ac.nz.

The closing date for applications is 12 July 2026 at midnight New Zealand time. Applications may be reviewed as they arrive, and interviews could begin before the closing date.

Eligibility

To be considered, you must hold Aotearoa New Zealand or Australian citizenship, or permanent residency.

Other information

This position is based onsite in Christchurch. The role is fixed term for 1 year and is a parental leave cover appointment.