Mō mātou | About us
Te Kura Toi Whakaari o Aotearoa: New Zealand Drama School offers world-class performing arts training and a genuine, living commitment to decolonised practice and Te Ao Māori. Our programmes prepare tauira to be more than skilled practitioners. They graduate as grounded, critically curious artists who know who they are, what their practice is for, and how to forge a sustainable and meaningful creative life. With a legacy of acclaimed puāwai (graduates) making their mark on live theatre and screen performances across Aotearoa and the world.
By 2037
Decolonisation is no longer a direction of travel but a lived reality, embedded in every aspect of our curriculum, pedagogy, governance and culture. Te Ia Mātauranga is the foundation of our practice.
Our programmes are sought after by the most talented and diverse emerging artists in Aotearoa and across the Pacific, and our puāwai (graduates) are recognised as some of the most grounded, skilled and culturally intelligent creative practitioners of their generation.
We are a thriving, sustainable and operationally excellent organisation, with deep and reciprocal relationships across industry, community and the wider arts ecosystem.
Our village is strong, our story is ours to tell, and our culture reflects the standard we hold ourselves to in everything we do.
Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role
We are inviting applications for the role of Kaitātaki, Discipline Specialist – Theatre Technologies (0.6 FTE fixed term) to join our academic team.
We are seeking candidates with practical technical expertise in theatre technologies, including lighting systems and operation, sound systems and operation, projectionsystems and operation, rigging, mechanist/ staging technology, and technical design. You will bring current industry knowledge and a hands-on approach to supporting tauiratodevelop technical skills, explore creative possibilities and safelyoperateequipment in a live performance environment.
Our Kaitātaki, Discipline Specialists play a key role in curriculum planning, delivery,assessment and moderation of programmes. Toi Whakaari operates within a collaborative, interdisciplinary teaching model. This position reports to the ManutakiWaihanga, Discipline Lead Production.
These roles contribute to our whole academic programme, includingthe Bachelor of Performing Arts (Production, Design, Acting), the NZ Diploma of Scenic Construction and Properties, and the NZ Diploma in Costume Construction. Further information about these programmes is available on our website.
These roles involve
• contributing to high-quality teaching and learning at Toi Whakaari
• providing ongoing, regular pastoral, pedagogical and academic support to tauira
• actively growing discipline expertise
• participating in the design, planning, delivery and assessment of teaching programmes, including creating resources.
Kaitātaki are supported to have a strong understanding of decolonised perspectives and a commitment to giving full effect to TeTiriti o Waitangi. They will actively foster practices that demonstrate their commitment to social justice. Kaitātaki contribute to course coordination, planning, delivery and assessment of interdisciplinary courses as agreed each year.
These roles are fixed term from 26 January to 26 November 2027.
For the right candidate, flexibility can be offered.
ABOUT YOU
Experience
• Proficient current industry experience and knowledge
• Experience in growing belonging and vision in an organisation
• Experience in teaching at tertiary level OR equivalent industry mentorship experience
• Willingness to engage in developing, delivering and assessing discipline aligned course content
Qualifications
• Relevant Graduate or Postgraduate qualification or Equivalent Industry Experience
Other Attributes
• Understanding of and commitment to Te reo Māori me ngā tikanga.
• Willingness to work towards a decolonised environment.
• Commitment to giving full effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
• At least six years experience in creative performance practice
• Commitment to creating equitable outcomes for all tauira.
• Commitment to the development and growth of teaching and research in performance practice.
• Ability to work collaboratively.
• Ability to build relationships and influence others.
• Resilience and flexibility working with different individuals from diverse backgrounds.
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Please go to our website to find the position description for this role https://www.toiwhakaari.ac.nz/job
REMUNERATION
• Salary Band B of Kaitātaki, Discipline Specialist: $65,000 to $70,000
• 5 weeks annual leave, per annum
• Onsite parking
• Commitment to ongoing development
Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply
Applications must be submitted by the closing date of 5pm on Tuesday 17 November 2026
Please include a CV and cover letter. Within your cover letter please clearly outline which role you are applying for. Please also include a description of how you meet the skills and experiences detailed above.
To apply or for further information please contact: hr.administrator@toiwhakaari.ac.nz
Interviews will likely be held between 23 – 25 November 2026. Toi Whakaari may look to progress interviews and appointments earlier than the dates outlined, where appropriate.
