Benefits of working with us
There are many benefits to working at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, including being part of New Zealand’s top research university.
By joining the University’s community you will be part of an organisation dedicated to strengthening New Zealand’s position in the global knowledge economy. Our commitment to the creation and dissemination of knowledge, and the development of graduates who will shape and lead our country’s future, is supported by the excellence of our academic and professional staff.
Find out where you fit in our strategic direction and learn more about our research expertise. Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington is officially ranked number one in the country for our research.
Living and working in Wellington
Take advantage of the capital city’s position as central to New Zealand’s culture, creative arts and science endeavours, as well as the home of government and many international businesses. Explore the facilities and services on the University's campuses.
Equity diversity inclusion and values
The University is committed to creating a safe, inclusive and supportive environment that values diversity and encourages equitable opportunities for staff regardless of gender identity, ethnicity, religious belief, physical capability, status, sexuality, or age.
Values and commitments
The University’s core ethical values are respect, responsibility, fairness, integrity, and empathy. These values are manifested in our commitment to civic engagement, sustainability, inclusivity, equity, diversity, and openness.
With, and as, tangata whenua, we value:
- te Tiriti o Waitangi.
- Rangatiratanga—leadership, self management.
- Manaakitanga—hospitality, showing respect, generosity and care towards others.
- Kaitiakitanga—guardianship and protection.
- Whai Mātauranga—intellectual curiosity, pursuit of knowledge.
- Whanaungatanga—kinship ties, collaboration and collectiveness.
- Akoranga—reciprocal nature of learning and teaching; the learner can be the teacher and the teacher can be the learner.
The University’s strategic plan focuses on equitable outcomes for all.
Health and wellbeing
The University recognises that people who are living, studying, and working within a positive environment where they feel supported, and well are more likely to thrive.
The University offers personal development workshops, and outplacement support programmes. Physical wellness is supported by access to subsidised eye tests, flu vaccination programme, healthy heart programmes and competitively priced gym membership.
Flexible working
The University recognises that to have a diverse community of talented staff, flexible working arrangement should be considered for staff where possible. Flexible working can relate to work location, working hours, role scope, and leave options, and can be a temporary or permanent arrangement.
Employee assistance programme
The Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), run by TELUS Health (formerly Benestar), is available to permanent staff who have personal problems which may be affecting their work performance. This professional confidential assistance programme is provided without cost by the University.
Medical insurance
A Southern Cross Group Scheme is available to all permanent staff.
Childcare
University Kids Wellington offers care for children aged from birth to four years in 2 campus locations. It is open to staff, students and the general public.
Staff networks
The Staff Club runs free and discounted social events for members throughout the year, including board game evenings, comedy nights, croquet, pub quizzes, and tenpin bowling. There are also staff sports teams that play in local business leagues in indoor netball, soccer, and touch rugby.
Induction and orientation
In order to ensure you feel welcome and are able to carry out your roles effectively, the University has a new staff welcome programme for all staff. It is a half day programme that includes a pōhiri at Te Herenga Waka marae, and provides information about the history of the marae. There is time for you to engage with our six Māori values, and make connections with other staff from across the University community.
The programme is extended for academic staff by up to a further 2 days, to cover topics linked to teaching and research.
Employment agreements
There are many different Employment agreements in use at the University depending on the nature of the role and permanency of the work. Where the work is covered by a current Collective Agreement, you will have the option to join one of two unions and remain on a Collective Agreement.
The University aims to work closely with union representatives from the Tertiary Education Union (TEU), the Public Sector Association (PSA), and other unions.
Health and safety
The University is committed to being a safe, vibrant, and inclusive environment. The University aims to provide safe and sustainable campuses and facilities which recognise the needs of a diverse community. Visit the health and safety website for more information.
Leave
Parental leave
The University offers a generous parental leave package to permanent staff members and staff members on fixed term employment agreements of 12 months or more, and who satisfy the eligibility requirements for statutory parental leave.
Support for academic parents returning to work
A scheme is available that supports academic parents returning to work after a long period away from the University. This includes funding to support attendance at conferences, training and development in support of academic career and research progression, which especially supports women and under-represented academic staff.
Study leave
Supported study is available for permanent professional staff, which may include a financial contribution to the cost of study fees or a time to undertake study and attend lectures.
Volunteer Leave
The University is committed to social responsibility and engaging with the communities in which our employees live and work.
University staff who have permanent or fixed term (6 months or more) roles, can take one day per year with paid leave, to engage with a community organisation, or initiative organised through Volunteer Wellington.
Professional development and training
The focus of the performance, development and career planning process is the development of staff, both academic and professional, and ensuring that all staff work together to achieve the overall goals of the University.
The University runs Te Hāpai, a development programme for all staff designed to increase understanding and use of Māori culture, language, and Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
Advice on staff development programmes is provided through Human Resources and the Centre for Academic Development (CAD).
Staff excellence awards
The University believes in rewarding excellence in all areas of our organisation. One of the more high-profile, and prestigious ways of doing this, is the annual Excellence Awards. The awards have categories for teaching, research, engagement, equity and diversity, professional staff, and health and safety.
Staff discounts and benefits
As a University staff member, you can enjoy many staff benefits, including discounts at a range of big brand retailers.
Superannuation scheme
The University is part of Unisaver, a recognised scheme for the purposes of KiwiSaver. Most University employees are entitled to join UniSaver.