Kaihāpai (Contractor) – Te Akatoki

University of Canterbury Students’ Association (UCSA)
Fixed‑term contractor role | Approx. 15 hours per week | 25 May - 27 November 2026

The University of Canterbury Students’ Association (UCSA) is seeking a values‑driven Kaihāpai to work alongside Te Akatoki, the UC Māori Students’ Association. This role plays a key part in supporting strong governance, sound financial management, and safe, effective operations – all in service of Māori tauira.

This is a fixed‑term contractor role for 2026, based at the whare on the UC campus, working closely with Te Akatoki Executive and UCSA staff.

About the role

As Kaihāpai, you will provide high‑quality governance, financial and operational support that helps Te Akatoki to meet its constitutional obligations, operate sustainably, and remain student‑centred at all times.

This role is hands‑on, detail‑focused, and relational. You will be trusted to work independently while maintaining strong relationships with tauira, Executive members, UCSA staff, and external partners.

Key responsibilities

Governance and operational support

• Monitor adherence to governance standards and relevant legal and constitutional requirements

• Support key governance processes such as the AGM and student executive elections

• Assist with Executive and Academic Representative handovers and annual induction planning

• Support the Returning Officer to ensure elections are fair, democratic, and compliant

• Continuously identify opportunities to improve governance and operational processes

Financial management

• Prepare and manage the annual budget in collaboration with the Te Akatoki Executive, Kaitiaki Pūtea, and UCSA Finance Manager

• Establish and maintain effective budgetary controls and financial tracking systems

• Process accounts payable and receivable, including invoicing, reconciliations, and follow‑ups

• Record journals and accruals accurately and in line with XRB accounting standards

• Liaise with auditors and provide supporting documentation as required

Website, systems and administration

• Maintain and update governance and compliance content on the Te Akatoki website

• Troubleshoot basic website administration issues

Health and safety

• Support health and safety compliance within the Whare

• Lodge and monitor maintenance requests

• Follow UC and UCSA health and safety policies and reporting processes

About you

We’re looking for someone who brings both technical capability and cultural grounding.

You will:

• Have lived experience in te ao Māori and be confident working within kaupapa Māori spaces

• Be strongly student‑centred, with a genuine commitment to supporting Māori tauira

• Have experience in governance, finance, administration, or operational support (formal or informal)

• Be confident managing budgets, financial processes, and compliance requirements

• Be organised, reliable, and able to work independently

• Communicate clearly and build positive, respectful relationships

Experience working in finance and compliance, including within Māori or kaupapa‑driven organisations is highly desirable.

Why work with us?

• Support Māori students and Te Akatoki in meaningful, practical ways

• Work in a kaupapa‑driven, student‑focused environment

• Flexible contractor arrangement with scope for autonomy

• Be part of the wider UCSA and UC campus community

Contract details

• Fixed‑term contractor role for 2026

• Approximately 15 hours per week

• Fee‑based contract (details provided to shortlisted candidates)

How to apply

To apply, please submit:

• A brief cover letter outlining your interest and relevant experience

• A CV

Applications or enquiries can be directed to Bridget O’Connor-Norton, Student Executive Support Manager, UCSA at bridget.oconnor-norton@ucsa.org.nz.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received.