Kaitātaki Whakaari, Discipline Specialist Acting 1.0 FTE

Toi Whakaari: New Zealand Drama School is inviting applications for the role of Kaitātaki Whakaari, Discipline Specialist Acting, which is a permanent full-time position within our academic team.

This role contributes directly to the growth, development and excellence of our tauira as they train for careers within the Aotearoa performing arts sector.  

We are seeking an individual with deep specialist knowledge in acting and performance practice, including demonstrated experience in indigenous movement practices, alongside tertiary teaching experience, strong professional practice and a commitment to teaching within a decolonised, collaborative environment.

Te Kura Toi Whakaari o Aotearoa: New Zealand Drama School

From our whare standing on whenua in Te Whanganui a Tara, we celebrate a whakapapa that spans more than 50 years. As the nation’s premier school of performing arts, we’ve trained some of Aotearoa New Zealand’s best performers, designers, and craftspeople. We develop independent practitioners who are creators, innovators, and initiators. Our graduates are some of the leading voices within the creative sector both nationally and internationally. Our talented alumni are sought after, in front of and behind the scenes, by the world’s leading productions.

Being part of our kura is more than just gaining qualifications. Here skills are gained, perspectives are shaped, connections are made, and potential is revealed. We recognise all our students as future rangatira. They emerge from here - knowing who they are and where they stand - ready to add their value to Aotearoa New Zealand’s thriving performing arts community.

Our Strategic Plan 2022-27, a period of consolidation and transformation can be found on our website.

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Kaitātaki Whakaari, Discipline Specialist Acting is responsible for planning, teaching and assessing within the Bachelor of Performing Arts (Acting). This position sits within Whakaari and reports to the Manutaki Whakaari.

Working within a collaborative and interdisciplinary teaching model, this role contributes to course design, delivery, assessment and moderation across the programme.  The role may also be required to contribute, from time to time, to other programme delivery.

The role supports teaching and learning by contributing to tauira development across creative and academic areas, including providing ongoing pastoral and pedagogical support, contributing to course coordination and delivering engaging learning experiences. The successful candidate must have a strong understanding of decolonised perspectives, and will actively foster practices that demonstrate their commitment to social justice.

This is a practice-led role requiring an experienced performance practitioner who is actively engaged in their own creative practice and research.

ABOUT YOU

Experience

• Experience in indigenous movement

• Experience in film and/or voice

• Experience in teaching at tertiary level

• Experience in developing, delivering and assessing discipline aligned course content

• Proficient current industry experience and knowledge

• Experience in growing belonging and vision in an organisation

Qualifications

• Relevant Graduate or Postgraduate qualification

• Relevant formal study of teaching and/or adult education, including curriculum, pedagogy and assessment  

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.

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Remuneration

• Salary Band B of Kaitātaki, Discipline Specialist: $65,000 to $70,000

• 5 weeks annual leave

• Onsite parking

• Commitment to ongoing development

How to Apply
Applications must be submitted by the closing date of 6pm on Wednesday 17 June 2026. Please note that we reserve the right to close this vacancy early if a suitable candidate is identified prior to the closing date.

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  

The panel will review applications between 18–23 June 2026. Interviews will be held between 30 June–1 July. As part of the recruitment process we will likely ask if you are able to take a class with our tauira.

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Toi Whakaari is always happy to receive expressions of interest from experienced professionals and educators, for potential ongoing teaching, directing and production roles across our kura.

Some current, specific areas of interest include:

• Indigenous oratory, movement and percussion practices

We invite and encourage all to get in touch.

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Please email your CV and cover letter that details your areas of expertise, to hr.administrator@toiwhakaari.ac.nz