Ĺ

National Employment Relations Advisor

  • Permanent, Full-time (40 hours per week)
  • Hybrid, WFH options negotiable
  • Successful, collaborative and supportive work environment

About us

Te Whakarōpūtanga Kaitiaki Kura o Aotearoa – Ĺ (Ĺ) is the professional body for school boards in New Zealand, representing and advocating for our members and providing services to all state and state-integrated schools and kura.

Ĺ is at the heart of school governance. We influence and inform policy and sector outcomes; we support and enable school boards to flourish; we connect like-minded people through our learning and networking opportunities; we strengthen communities by helping students achieve.

Te Whakarōpūtanga Kaitiaki Kura o Aotearoa was established in 1989, following the introduction of New Zealand’s largest school reform, Tomorrow’s Schools. We are a not-for-profit incorporated society with charitable trust status.
Our service delivery arm, GovHub School Board Services, provides support to all board members via Ministry of Education funding, while our membership arm provides independent advocacy for school boards to the government and the rest of the education sector. Approximately 80% of all school boards are members, enjoying access to exclusive regional and national events, benefits and discounts, as well as a direct say in how we advocate.

About the role 

A member of the national employment team, ideally based in Wellington (however all regions considered) reporting to the Chief Advisor Employment / Manager Collective Bargaining, and working with our education sector partners including the Ministry of Education, providing expertise to maintain, develop and deliver GovHub’s education sector, employment advisory services and resources.

The primary purpose is to support GovHub’s delivery of consistent, legally compliant and high-quality employment advisory through the Advisory Support Centre (ASC) and our national network of regional advisors. 

Under the direction of the Chief Advisor Employment / Manager Collective Bargaining, you will:

  • develop and review the GovHub employment resources to ensure accuracy and currency under the relevant legislation and collective agreements
  • provide employment guidance, support and feedback for the ASC Lead, Regional Leads and Moderators 
  • curate and coordinate key education workforce themes for professional learning and development
  • represent Ĺ/GovHub in education sector collective bargaining for school staff
  • collaborate with the MoE workforce team and sector unions on the implementation of collective agreement settlements 
  • collaborate with the MoE or as required lead the implementation of education workforce changes through the provision of resources, including webinars and best practice guidance
  • contribute to education sector working groups and national initiatives like the education study and sabbatical awards
  • present on approved education workforce topics at national conferences and sector partner events

This is a permanent full-time position, (40 hours pw) based in our national office on Lambton Quay, Wellington. However, suitable candidates from other regions will be considered. Flexible working arrangements (including working from home) subject to negotiation are available for this role.


Our values

  • Kaitiakitanga                    A sense of guardianship through being of service 
  • Connection                       Relationship, unity and whanaungatanga to people and planet 
  • Tino Rangatiratanga      Recognising autonomy and self-determination 
  • Integrity                             Where values and actions align to create a sense of wholeness 
  • Inclusiveness                    Actively promoting equity and fairness 

About you

  • demonstrated knowledge of HR and ER practice including developments in relevant legislation, theory, practice and standards 
  • proven experience in the provision of high quality, responsive advice relating to complex 
    HR/ER issues 
  • a strong understanding of the compulsory schooling sector would be an advantage
  • someone with strong analytical, conceptual and strategic thinking skills
  • a relevant tertiary qualification 
  • flexibility, versatility and adaptability operating within dynamic change environments
  • excellent communication skills to allow you to build a high level of integrity, credibility, and 
    trust with internal and external stakeholders
  • advanced IT skills
  • a person who has understanding and commitment to giving effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi 
    including ability and comfort in a reo Māori environment

Apply Now!

If you're excited by the opportunity to join a team who are passionate about strengthening school governance in Aotearoa New Zealand, then don't delay in applying.  

Note: Applications will be processed on receipt

Please submit a tailored CV and a cover letter outlining your motivation for your application, highlighting relevant skills and experience, which align with the key responsibilities of the position description, via Seek. Please address where you are based in your cover letter.

Please view the position description HERE.

For further information about the role:
Please contact Patrick Ikiua, Chief Advisor Employment / Manager Collective Bargaining, Pikiua@tewhakaroputanga.org.nz, 021 599 024 for a confidential discussion.

Applications close: Sunday 24 May 2026

Ĺ Recruitment:
E: Recruitment@tewhakaroputanga.org.nz

Additional Information:
Ministry of Justice vetting will be undertaken

Only applicants who are eligible to work in New Zealand (permanent work rights with no restrictions) and meet our requirements, will be considered for this position.

We may use automated tools or AI assisted systems to help review applications. Hiring decisions are made by people.

Note - for unsuccessful candidates, application material is retained for 3 months then deleted.