College Warden / Tautiaki

About us | Mō mātou

The University of Otago is renowned for its residential college communities, with 15 unique colleges supporting thousands of first-year students on their tertiary journey.

Opening in 2024, Te Rangihīroa is the newest and most modern of these colleges. Named after the University of Otago’s first Māori medical graduate, Te Rangihīroa/ Sir Peter Buck, the name was gifted to the University by Te Rangihīroa’s iwi, Ngāti Mutunga.

Ngāti Mutunga envisions that like a wellspring deep within Papatūānuku (the earth), which quenches the thirst of weary travellers, so too will the college provide sanctuary for students on their educational journey.

The values and mana of this extraordinary individual are woven throughout the building, from the design and layout of the living spaces to the artwork and indigenous plantings that surround the building.

Designed to high standards of energy efficiency and sustainability, Te Rangihīroa is a five-star Green Star building and provides an inspiring environment where tauira can reach their full potential.

The role | Te mahi

The College Warden / Tautiaki is responsible for the effective and efficient provision of a collegiate experience for the residents and wider associated community. The primary role is to support our residents in reaching their highest academic potential, while also providing opportunities for residents to experience cultural, community, and personal development. During non-academic use, the College Warden is responsible for promoting the college facilities or redeploying staff to support the Division's service, and to generate additional income streams within the Division.

We seek to appoint a new College Warden / Tautiaki to maintain and further develop the College’s reputation for excellence.

Your skills and experience | Kā pūkeka me kā wheako

We seek an experienced senior leader with proven success in managing staff, residential academic communities, and commercial enterprise.

Our ideal candidate will:

• Have competency in Te Reo Māori me ōna tikanga.
• Have experience working with young adults in an educational residential setting.
• Be professionally and personally resilient and capable of handling (sometimes) difficult and complex situations.
• Have demonstrated leadership, management and organisation skills.
• Be able to perform effectively and professionally in a complex and challenging environment, including mental health and resident wellbeing-related incidents.
• As part of the Campus and Collegiate Life Services Divisional leadership team, you will also assist the wider Division in projects and support. The ability to influence and negotiate effectively is important.

A tertiary qualification is essential, and experience in the tertiary sector would be a distinct advantage.

Further Details | Pūroko

This is a full-time (37.5 hours) permanent live-in position and, as such, you will be required to reside in accommodation which is provided by the University.

The salary range for this role is $115,332 to $129,355, Top of Range $143,378. The remuneration package includes on-call duties. An allowance will be paid to offset the cost of accommodation.

The University is committed to meeting its obligations under the Vulnerable Children Act 2014. Candidates who successfully make the final stages of the recruitment process will be required to undergo a police safety check.

Confidential enquiries can be directed to Dr Sean McCallaghan, Senior Warden of Colleges via the contact details below.

Application | Tono

To submit your application (including CV and cover letter), please click the apply button below. Applications quoting reference number 2600861 will close on Sunday, 21 June 2026.