UNIVERSITY OF OTAGO, CHRISTCHURCH | OTAKOU WHAKAIHU WAKA, OTAUTAHI

DIVISION OF HEALTH SCIENCES | TE WAHANGA MATUA MATAU HAUORA

About our team/Mo te tima

The University of Otago, Christchurch is a research-intensive campus located at Christchurch Hospital. It serves as the hub for medical and postgraduate health education and health research in the region. Our vibrant campus community includes around 1,000 students, comprising approximately 350 medical students and 700 students pursuing allied health programs such as nursing, physiotherapy, and various postgraduate degrees up to PhD level.

The Department of Medicine at the University of Otago, Christchurch is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of people in New Zealand through outstanding education and innovative research. Our department is home to some of the country's most productive researchers, with particular expertise in heart health, brain research, and musculoskeletal medicine.

The role/Te mahi

The Maori Health Navigator will support the Clinical Research team in fostering engagement, whakawhanaungatanga, and strong relationships with whanau Maori who are considering or participating in the IMPEDE-PKD trial. This clinical trial is investigating whether metformin (a treatment already used for diabetes and other conditions) can help protect kidney function in people with a condition called polycystic kidney disease.

Responsibilities of this role include:

exploring awareness of and potential participation in the IMPEDE-PKD trial with whanau Maori, in partnership with healthcare providers including Maori health workers, Maori health organisations, and other existing connections (through conversations and social media)
building and sustaining relationships with potential Maori participants with Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease and their whanau
providing advocacy and support for Maori participants and whanau throughout the entire clinical trial experience, from the initial conversation to the completion of any participation as guided by patients and their whanau
working closely with the clinical trial staff.

Your skills and experience/Ka pukeka me ka wheako

We are looking for a highly organised individual who thrives in relationship-driven environments, can engage effectively with whanau and community members, and is confident working within a Kaupapa Maori context. You will have previous knowledge of research methods or a strong interest in learning, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work independently.

Other key criteria include:

knowledge of tikanga Maori, cultural practices, and values
the ability to build and sustain connections with a wide range of partners; including organisations, Maori health providers, whanau Maori, community groups, academics, and healthcare teams
an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in a relevant discipline, or equivalent relevant experience
previous experience in a health or social support role (preferred).

Further details/Puroko

This is a fixed-term (12 months), part-time position (up to 0.2 FTE). Hours of work and the start date will be negotiated with the successful candidate. The role can be based in Otepoti (Dunedin), Otautahi (Christchurch), or at one of our centres.

The University is offering a remuneration level commensurate with the responsibilities of the position.

Otakou Whakaihu Waka | University of Otago is a workplace that values and utilises diverse and inclusive thinking, people, and behaviours. We welcome the contributions of staff with diverse backgrounds, experiences, skills, and perspectives.

You must have the right to live and work in Aotearoa, New Zealand to be considered for this position.

For further information regarding the role, please contact Rachel Haselden, the National Coordinator of the IMPEDE-PKD clinical trial at impede-pkd.nz@otago.ac.nz

Application/Tono

To submit your application (including CV and cover letter) please click the apply button below. Applications quoting reference number 2500945 will close on Sunday, 27 July 2025.

Applications may be reviewed as submitted and candidates may be invited to interview immediately. The University reserves the right to close this vacancy at any time.

APPLICATION INFORMATION

To view all current vacancies and to apply online go to: www.otago.ac.nz/jobs

Equal opportunity in employment is University policy.

E tautoko ana Te Whare Wananga o Otago i te kaupapa whakaorite whiwhinga mahi.

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Māori Health Navigator - Christchurch