AKO Kaiwhakahaere

"Whāia te mātauranga hei oranga mō koutou"

Te Pou Theatre is launching an exciting new AKO Education and Development Programme and is seeking a passionate and organised Programme Manager to support the delivery of this kaupapa. This role will manage the delivery of our pilot Ako internship programme in & co-ordinate the organisation's wider education & development kaupapa. This role will be the go-to supporter, learning champion and connector for rangatahi at Te Pou Theatre. This is an exciting opportunity to work closely with rangatahi Māori, supporting their growth within the creative sector while championing kaupapa Māori values, pastoral care, and hands-on experience.

The role is ideal for someone with a heart for the kaupapa Māori arts, and a strong passion for education, youth and community development. Ideally the selected candidate has a strong background in project management and/or education, and a commitment to creating equitable, meaningful employment pathways into the arts.

While the role is fixed term over the duration of this pilot programme, it is likely to be developed into an ongoing position with Te Pou Theatre.

New Ako Internship Programme Delivery

• Manage the delivery of the 12-week AKO Internship programme for six interns across producing, production and technical streams
• Develop accessible communications, recruitment and onboarding processes
• Design and manage an engaging learning journey, including wānanga planning, industry experiences, and pastoral support
• Liaise with internal staff and external partners to schedule learning placements and mentorship
• Provide hands-on tautoko, supporting interns throughout their journey, including supporting their transition into industry work and placements
• Reflect and review the programme outcomes

Education, Internship & Development Programme Oversight

• Support the delivery of additional internships across the year at Te Pou and work towards leading our education, development and internship programmes across the organisation.
• Work alongside mentors, Te Pou staff, and external organisations to ensure meaningful engagement

Programme Development & Administration

• Collaborate with the Poutoko AKO to ensure the programme aligns with long-term strategy and kaupapa
• Manage the programme budget, scheduling, and documentation
• Gather feedback and outcomes data to support evaluation and reporting

We're looking for someone who brings:

• Experience working with rangatahi and/or delivering youth-centred programmes
• Fluency in Te Reo Māori ideally
• Confidence working in kaupapa Māori settings (fluent reo Māori is not required, but cultural competency is essential)
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail
• Confidence managing budgets and working across multiple stakeholders
• Experience in production, producing, or project management in the creative sector and advantage by not required.
• Warm, calm, clear communication style
• You're supportive, adaptable and have a strong duty of care for young people and their careers in the arts

This role reports to the Poutoko AKO, a strategic leadership role, and will work closely with:

• Te Pou staff across production, marketing, and operations
• External host organisations and mentors
• Rangatahi interns and their whānau

To apply, please send your CV and a cover letter about yourself and why you'd like to join this kaupapa to by Sunday 30 November, 2025.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and are particularly interested in hearing from those with lived experience relevant to this kaupapa. Feel free to get in touch with any questions about the role and check out our organisation at

Location: Te Pou Theatre, Henderson, Auckland (mostly office-based with some external engagement)

Term: Fixed-term (2 year, potential for extension subject to funding)

Start Date: January 2026

Hours: Full-time

Key Dates: 30 November Applications Close, Interviews December - January 2026. Role starts January 2026 (to be negotiated).