Kaihāpai (Contractor) – Te Akatoki at UCSA

Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

21 Jul, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

22 Apr, 26

Experience

2 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Governance, Financial management, Budgeting, Compliance, Administration, Te ao Māori, Kaupapa Māori, Operational support, Stakeholder management, Accounting standards, Health and safety, Website administration, Financial reporting, Student support

Industry

Higher Education

Description

Kaihāpai (Contractor) – Te Akatoki University of Canterbury Students’ Association (UCSA) Fixed‑term contractor role | Approx. 15 hours per week | 2026 The University of Canterbury Students’ Association (UCSA) is seeking a values‑driven Kaihāpai to work alongside Te Akatoki, the UC Māori Students’ Association. This role plays a key part in supporting strong governance, sound financial management, and safe, effective operations – all in service of Māori tauira. This is a fixed‑term contractor role for 2026, based at the whare on the UC campus, working closely with Te Akatoki Executive and UCSA staff. About the role As Kaihāpai, you will provide high‑quality governance, financial and operational support that helps Te Akatoki to meet its constitutional obligations, operate sustainably, and remain student‑centred at all times. This role is hands‑on, detail‑focused, and relational. You will be trusted to work independently while maintaining strong relationships with tauira, Executive members, UCSA staff, and external partners. Key responsibilities Governance and operational support Monitor adherence to governance standards and relevant legal and constitutional requirements Support key governance processes such as the AGM and student executive elections Assist with Executive and Academic Representative handovers and annual induction planning Support the Returning Officer to ensure elections are fair, democratic, and compliant Continuously identify opportunities to improve governance and operational processes Financial management Prepare and manage the annual budget in collaboration with the Te Akatoki Executive, Kaitiaki Pūtea, and UCSA Finance Manager Establish and maintain effective budgetary controls and financial tracking systems Process accounts payable and receivable, including invoicing, reconciliations, and follow‑ups Record journals and accruals accurately and in line with XRB accounting standards Liaise with auditors and provide supporting documentation as required Website, systems and administration Maintain and update governance and compliance content on the Te Akatoki website Troubleshoot basic website administration issues Health and safety Support health and safety compliance within the Whare Lodge and monitor maintenance requests Follow UC and UCSA health and safety policies and reporting processes About you We’re looking for someone who brings both technical capability and cultural grounding. You will: Have lived experience in te ao Māori and be confident working within kaupapa Māori spaces Be strongly student‑centred, with a genuine commitment to supporting Māori tauira Have experience in governance, finance, administration, or operational support (formal or informal) Be confident managing budgets, financial processes, and compliance requirements Be organised, reliable, and able to work independently Communicate clearly and build positive, respectful relationships Experience working in finance and compliance, including within Māori or kaupapa‑driven organisations is highly desirable. Why work with us? Support Māori students and Te Akatoki in meaningful, practical ways Work in a kaupapa‑driven, student‑focused environment Flexible contractor arrangement with scope for autonomy Be part of the wider UCSA and UC campus community Contract details Fixed‑term contractor role for 2026 Approximately 15 hours per week Fee‑based contract (details provided to shortlisted candidates) How to apply To apply, please submit: A brief cover letter outlining your interest and relevant experience A CV Applications or enquiries can be directed to Bridget O’Connor-Norton, Student Executive Support Manager, UCSA at bridget.oconnor-norton@ucsa.org.nz. Applications will be reviewed as they are received.

Responsibilities

The Kaihāpai provides governance, financial, and operational support to ensure the sustainability and constitutional compliance of Te Akatoki. This includes managing budgets, supporting student elections, and maintaining health and safety standards within the campus whare.