Chief Advisor Assessment - Mātauranga Māori

About this role

Chief Advisor Assessment - Mātauranga Māori

Whakatairangatia ngā kete o te mātauranga ki te ao mārama! E te tai whakarunga, e te tai whakararo, nau piki mai, nau kake mai ki te Mana Tohu Mātauranga o Aotearoa.

May the baskets of knowledge be brought into the world of light. We welcome one and all to join us at the New Zealand Qualifications Authority.

NZQA plays a critical role in ensuring New Zealand qualifications are trusted, credible and recognised nationally and internationally. Within NZQA, the Assessment Division is responsible for maintaining the integrity of assessment across NCEA, New Zealand Scholarship and other national qualifications.

We are seeking an experienced and influential assessment leader to join our Assessment Division as Chief Advisor Assessment - Mātauranga Māori.

This is an opportunity to shape how mātauranga Māori and Te Ao Māori perspectives are reflected across assessment design, moderation, marking, qualifications development and quality assurance. Working alongside the Assessment Division Strategic Leadership Team, you will help ensure assessment systems remain credible, equitable and responsive to the aspirations of Māori learners and communities.

Mō te tūranga | About the role

As Chief Advisor Assessment - Mātauranga Māori, you will provide strategic and specialist leadership across the Assessment Division, ensuring mātauranga Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi obligations are meaningfully reflected in assessment policy, design and delivery.

You will work closely with the Assessment Division teams to influence how assessment systems are developed and implemented, supporting valid, reliable and culturally responsive assessment practices.

A key part of the role is building trusted relationships across the education sector, including with kura, wānanga, iwi, Māori education organisations and other sector partners, ensuring Māori perspectives help inform the future direction of assessment in Aotearoa. In this role you will:

• Provide strategic advice on assessment, qualifications and quality assurance matters relating to mātauranga Māori and Māori learner success. 
• Influence assessment design, moderation, marking and assurance practices across the Assessment Division.
• Support the integration of Te Ao Māori perspectives into assessment policy, frameworks and operational practice. 
• Apply evidence, data insights and indigenous assessment practice to strengthen assessment system performance.
• Build strong relationships with iwi, kura, wānanga, Māori organisations and education sector stakeholders. 
• Provide high-quality advice and thought leadership to senior leaders on assessment strategy and emerging issues.

He āhei āu | What you'll bring to the role

We are looking for someone with deep expertise in mātauranga Māori and Māori education, combined with a strong understanding of assessment, qualifications and/or quality assurance systems.

You will be a strategic thinker who can operate comfortably across policy, operational and stakeholder environments, bringing credibility, sound judgement and the ability to influence outcomes without direct authority. To be successful in this role, you'll bring:

• Significant experience within assessment, education, qualifications, quality assurance, public policy or related sectors.
• Deep knowledge of mātauranga Māori, Te Ao Māori and Māori educational aspirations.
• Strong understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its application within educational and public sector settings.
• Experience providing strategic advice and leadership in complex environments.
• An understanding of assessment systems, qualifications frameworks or quality assurance practices.
• Strong relationship-building and engagement skills, particularly with Māori stakeholders and education sector partners.
• Competency in te reo Māori me ōna tikanga and confidence working in Māori contexts.
• Excellent analytical, communication and influencing skills. 

Ngā Painga o NZQA | Why choose NZQA

Join NZQA and help shape assessment practices that recognise and value diverse forms of knowledge and achievement.

You'll work alongside passionate and experienced colleagues who are committed to maintaining confidence in New Zealand's assessment and qualifications systems, while supporting equitable outcomes for learners.

NZQA is committed to developing a diverse workforce and creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.

Pēhea te tono mai | How to apply

For more information about this role and NZQA, please refer to the job description, NZQA's Customer Charter and Organisational Values.

If you would like to discuss the role further, please contact Nigel Huddleston in our People Team at nigel.huddleston@nzqa.govt.nz.

To apply, please submit your CV and cover letter by 02 August 2026.

You must have the right to live and work in Aotearoa New Zealand to apply for this role.

NZQA is committed to developing a diverse workforce and an inclusive workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities and welcome applications from everyone who can meet the requirements of the role.