Te Akura Lead

Waikato-Tainui; Hamilton; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Waikato-Tainui is seeking a Te Akura Lead to drive iwi capability, wellbeing, and cultural resilience through targeted programmes across kaupapa, hapori, taiao, whai rawa, and mahi tonu. This full-time, on-site role is based in the Greater Hamilton Area.

You will design, coordinate, and evaluate initiatives with marae, kaimahi, and community partners, delivering workshops and reports, while ensuring cultural safety and alignment with iwi priorities.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in programme or project leadership, including planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation.
• Strong stakeholder engagement with iwi, marae, community groups, and partners.
• Proven ability to facilitate hui, workshops, and wānanga for diverse audiences.
• Knowledge of Waikato-Tainui kaupapa, te reo Māori me ōna tikanga, or willingness to learn.
• Experience in community development or related fields supporting whanau wellbeing.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage multiple initiatives.
• Strong written and verbal communication, with reporting experience.
• Collaborative, culturally safe, and respectful team player.
• Relevant tertiary qualification in Māori development, social sciences, education, or management.

Responsibilities

• Design and oversee Te Akura programmes that strengthen iwi capability, wellbeing, and cultural resilience.
• Coordinate with marae, tribal members, and internal teams to plan and deliver projects.
• Manage reporting and evaluation to demonstrate outcomes and learnings.
• Engage stakeholders through workshops, wānanga, and community meetings.
• Collaborate with subject-matter experts and partner organisations to drive continuous improvement.
• Support kaimahi wellbeing involved in Te Akura programmes and contribute to strategic planning.

Skills

Programme leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Facilitation

Communication

Team collaboration

Time management

Reporting

Education

Māori development degree

Social sciences degree

Education/Management degree

Job description

Company Description

Waikato-Tainui is a leading tribal organization representing 68 marae and more than 82,000 tribal members, guided by a mission to build a prosperous, healthy, vibrant, innovative, and culturally strong iwi. The organization is responsible for protecting and upholding Crown settlements to benefit current and future generations. Waikato-Tainui delivers initiatives that support cultural wellbeing, education, employment, housing, health, environmental sustainability, and economic development for tribal members and marae. Its work spans kaupapa, hapori, taiao, whai rawa, and mahi tonu, ensuring holistic support for iwi development. A strong focus is placed on building the capacity of whaanau and developing kaimahi so they are well equipped to serve the iwi’s long‑term purpose.

Role Description

The Te Akura Lead is a full-time, on-site role based in the Greater Hamilton Area, responsible for leading Te Akura initiatives that strengthen iwi capability, wellbeing, and cultural resilience. This role involves designing and overseeing programs that align with Waikato-Tainui strategies across kaupapa, hapori, taiao, whai rawa, and mahi tonu, ensuring they reflect iwi values and aspirations. The Te Akura Lead will coordinate with marae, tribal members, and internal teams to plan and deliver projects, manage reporting and evaluation, and ensure resources are used effectively. Day-to-day tasks include stakeholder engagement, facilitation of wānanga and workshops, collaboration with subject‑matter experts, and continuous improvement of initiatives based on feedback and outcomes. The role also includes contributing to strategic planning, maintaining strong relationships with partner organizations, and supporting the development and wellbeing of kaimahi involved in Te Akura programs.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in programme or project leadership, including planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management capabilities, particularly with iwi, marae, community groups, and partner organizations.
• Proven ability to facilitate hui, workshops, and wānanga, with confidence in presenting and communicating to diverse audiences.
• Sound understanding of Waikato-Tainui kaupapa, te reo Māori me ōna tikanga, and iwi development priorities (or willingness to learn and engage deeply).
• Experience working in community development, education, health, social services, or related fields that support whaanau and iwi wellbeing.
• Excellent organizational skills, including time management, prioritization, and the ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with experience preparing reports, proposals, and presentations.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and to operate with integrity, cultural safety, and respect.
• Relevant tertiary qualification in Māori development, social sciences, education, management,