Research Assistant

Are you passionate about meaningful research and committed to respectful, values-driven work? We are seeking a detail-oriented and collaborative Research Assistant to join a dynamic team that works closely with Maori communities and stakeholders across the public sector.

This is an opportunity to contribute to work that matters—supporting applications made under the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011—while growing your skills in historical research, stakeholder engagement, and public policy.

What You’ll Do: • Research Support • Assist in drafting high-quality historical research and policy advice • Conduct reference-checking, proofreading, formatting, indexing, and compiling of research materials • Ensure all outputs meet professional standards for clarity, accuracy, and structure • Stakeholder Engagement • Help maintain strong, respectful relationships with claimant groups and external service providers • Collaborate effectively with internal teams to support coordinated, consistent engagement • Team Collaboration • Contribute to a positive, high-performing team culture grounded in values like manaakitanga and whanaungatanga • Participate in peer review processes and help colleagues meet quality and timeline expectations • Project Assistance • Support the delivery of historical research projects by helping to define scope, monitor progress, and track deliverables • Assist in preparing progress reports, identifying risks, and suggesting improvements

Why Join Us? This is more than just a research role. You’ll be joining a team that values integrity, humility, and continuous improvement. The work you do will support significant processes with long-lasting impacts for Maori and the wider Aotearoa community.

Ready to Apply? Please ensure you have an up to date CV and a brief cover letter outlining your interest and relevant experience to this role.

• Proven ability to work well with internal and external stakeholders • Well-developed verbal and written communication skills. • Demonstrated ability to work well under pressure, meet deadlines, and work on multiple projects. • Strong attention to detail. • An understanding of historical research and writing requirements and standards. • Knowledge of te reo and tikanga Maori and a commitment to further develop such knowledge • A relevant tertiary qualification or equivalent knowledge, skills and experience • Must Pass MOJ • Must have an up to date CV and Cover letter • Reliable, enthusiastic, proactive, organised, good team player