Te Uru Kahika is the organisation representing the regional and unitary councils of Aotearoa New Zealand. It is led by the Regional Chief Executives Group, who are supported by the Te Uru Kahika Virtual Office and by a network of subject-matter experts from member councils organised into Te Uru Kahika Groups (or Special Interest Groups SIGs).
The Regional Chief Executive Group Kaupapa Māori priority, aims to integrate Te Ao Māori perspectives into Te Uru Kahika’s work, engage with central government, and help connect with iwi/hapū for better outcomes for iwi/Māori. It is primarily delivered by Ngā Kairapu – the team of Māori specialists within Te Uru Kahika, while also being advanced across the entire Special Interest Group (SIG) network.
The Te Uru Kahika Virtual Office operates under a shared services model, to enhance the sector’s collective strengths and optimise its external influence. It comprises a mix of permanent staff and contractors located throughout New Zealand. The Pou Whakarae is an integral member of the Virtual Office and a key link for the wider sector.
Job Description
The opportunity
This strategic leadership role is central to advancing the Kaupapa Māori priority across Aotearoa’s regional and unitary councils. Reporting to the Executive Director of Te Uru Kahika and working closely with Ngā Kairapu Co-convenors, the Pou Whakarae provides high-level advice, coordination, and oversight of Māori-focused initiatives. Your input and wisdom will also be called on from time to time to inform our wider activity across climate adaptation, resource management reform, freshwater, bio-management and science & data. The work will be varied and challenging.
Location is flexible, we work remotely by default, but office space can be provided at a host council if desired. Some national travel will be required. This is a fixed-term position with the potential for part-time engagement, supported by Regional Software Holdings Ltd (RSHL) under a shared services model.
Key responsibilities
The role ensures the integration of Te Ao Māori perspectives into local government thinking and advice, fosters partnerships with iwi/hapū and central government, and seeks alignment of national initiatives with regional priorities. It also involves leading the development and reporting of Kaupapa Māori strategies, supporting Special Interest Groups, and representing Ngā Kairapu in key strategy, policy and reform discussions.
What you would bring?
The ideal candidate will bring senior leadership experience in iwi/hapū organisations and/or government, demonstrable experience in the application of Te Tiriti o Waitangi to current and future policy thinking and fluency in te reo me tikanga Māori. They will be a collaborative leader with advanced facilitation, project governance, and communication skills. The role requires someone who is self-driven, solutions-oriented, and capable of influencing across diverse stakeholders.
Are you ready make an impact?
Working with a small team of talented professionals across Aotearoa New Zealand, your work will have real meaning and impact for our communities. You will get to work across the full spectrum of Local Government, but with tangible impact on policies and programmes that deliver outcomes at place for our people.
We will be interviewing as soon as we find the right candidates and will fill the role when we find the individual with that special blend of skills and personality we are looking for, so don’t delay in putting your application forward.
For a confidential initial discussion about this opportunity please contact Iain Maxwell Executive Director at Te Uru Kahika ([email protected])
Additional Information
Must be eligible to work in New Zealand.
