Casual Research Assistant - MAI Promising Futures
Casual Research Assistant - MAI Promising Futures
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Job Description
Te Whiwhinga Mahi The opportunity
The Te Tahat o te Rangi - MAI Promising Futures research project is seeking five casual Research Assistants (Interviewers) to join our kaupapa Mori study exploring the journeys of Mori PhD graduates involved in Te Kupenga o MAI. Running from 2025 to 2028 this national project aims to gather rich insights into the experiences of Mori scholars - and were building a team of skilled empathetic interviewers to help us do that mahi.
As an interviewer youll conduct one-on-one semi-structured interviews during 2025 (and ideally beyond) helping to create a safe welcoming space guided by tikanga Mori. Interviews will be in-person where possible and may require travel and overnight stays depending on your location and that of the participant. A rental vehicle will be arranged when required. Travel costs and allowances will be covered as part of this role.
This is a rare opportunity to contribute to kaupapa Mori research and engage kanohi ki te kanohi with some of our most inspiring Mori PhD graduates in Aotearoa. Youll receive training and support from a tight-knit research team grounded in kaupapa Mori practice.
These are casual positions (no fixed hours or schedule).
For more detailed information about the role refer to the Position Description.
M te tma About the project team
The MAI Promising Futures project is led by Professor Waimarie Nikora (Principal Investigator) and includes Dr Tania Cliffe-Tautari (Associate Investigator and Project Manager) Associate Professor Hinekura Smith Associate Professor Deb Heke and Dr Tim Newman-West. Together the team brings deep expertise in Mori and Indigenous research and a strong commitment to ethical and impactful scholarship.
Ng huatanga kei a koe What were looking for
Were seeking interviewers who are:
- Have an undergraduate degree in any discipline or equivalent.
- Experienced in qualitative interviewing (or have related training) ideally with a background in kaupapa Mori research.
- Empathetic thoughtful communicators who can build trust and hold space for meaningful conversation.
- Comfortable managing all stages of the interview process - including preparing by reviewing participant details and interview guidelines setting up and testing recording equipment and writing post-interview summaries.
- Able to liaise with participants and the project team to schedule interviews send reminders and ensure participants feel informed and comfortable.
- Hold a full NZ driver licence and are willing and able to travel including possible overnight stays.
- Available to attend a training day in Auckland (date to be confirmed).
- Ideally interested in staying connected to the project through follow-up interview waves in 2026 and 2027.
- Committed to maintaining ethical research practices including confidentiality informed consent and cultural safety.
- Te reo Mori fluency is not essential but is considered an advantage.
Ng whi Interviewer locations
Were looking for five interviewers based across Aotearoa. One based in each of the following regions and main centres:
- Te Tai Tokerau (Northland and Auckland)
Main centres: Whangrei Auckland Kerikeri Dargaville
Driving range: From Cape Ringa to Tmaki Makaurau
- Waikato Bay of Plenty and Taranaki
Main centres: Hamilton Tauranga Rotorua New Plymouth
Driving range: Coromandel Peninsula Waitomo Mount Maunganui Taranaki
- Te Ika-a-Mui South (Lower North Island)
Main centres: Wellington Napier Palmerston North
Driving range: Hawkes Bay Manawat-Whanganui wider Wellington region
- Te Tai Poutini and Waitaha (West Coast and Canterbury)
Main centres: Christchurch Greymouth Hokitika
Driving range: Arthurs Pass Aoraki/Mount Cook and the West Coast
- Te Waipounamu South (Lower South Island)
Main centres: Dunedin Queenstown Invercargill
Driving range: Otago Southland Fiordland including Milford Sound and the Catlins
Me phea te tuku tono How to apply
Applications must be submitted online by the closing date of 24 June 2025 to be considered. Please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your interest and relevant experience. In your cover letter please clearly indicate which region you are based in or would be willing to cover. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
Please direct enquiries to Dr Tania Cliffe-Tautari via Please note that we are happy to answer your questions but we do not accept applications by email.
#LI-DNI
Additional Information :
Equity
The University is committed to meeting its obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi and achieving equity outcomes for staff and students in a safe inclusive and equitable environment. For further information on services for Mori Pacific women LGBTQIATakatpuiMVPFAFF people with disabilities parenting support flexible work and other personal circumstances go to
The University is committed to providing a safe inclusive and equitable environment where everyone can thrive. For further information see Te Ara Tautika the Equity Policy and visit
Remote Work :
No
Employment Type :
Casual
Employment Type
Casual
