Kaihautū - Māori Development Manager

Thames-Coromandel District Council; Thames; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Thames-Coromandel District Council is seeking a Kaihautū, Māori Development Manager who will partner with iwi, hapū and Māori communities to embed Te Tiriti in planning and outcomes. You will lead the Māori Engagement Strategy, provide strategic advice across the organisation and work with mana whenua to strengthen enduring partnerships for the Coromandel Peninsula.

Experience in local government, strong Te Reo Māori and tikanga, and excellent stakeholder management are essential for success in

Qualifications

• Experience working with iwi, hapū and Māori communities.
• Strong understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and local government.
• Ability to build strategic relationships and facilitate engagement.
• Proficiency in Te Reo Māori and tikanga.
• Excellent communication and political awareness.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic advice on Māori aspirations, Te Tiriti o Waitangi responsibilities, opportunities and emerging issues.
• Build and maintain strong, enduring relationships with mana whenua, iwi, hapū, marae and Māori organisations.
• Lead meaningful Māori engagement and participation across Council planning, projects and decision-making processes.
• Support community resilience initiatives, including wellbeing, climate resilience, emergency preparedness and future-focused planning.
• Develop and lead an organisation-wide cultural capability programme that strengthens understanding and application of Te Tiriti and tikanga Māori.

Skills

Iwi engagement

Stakeholder relations

Te Tiriti knowledge

Communication skills

Job description

E hara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini

Success is not the work of one, but the work of many.

At Thames-Coromandel District Council, we are committed to building meaningful partnerships that reflect the unique identity, aspirations and future of Hauraki and the Coromandel Peninsula. We are seeking an experienced and respected leader to join us as Kaihautū, Māori Development Manager.

Mō te tūranga | About the role

As Kaihautū, you will help shape how Council partners with iwi, hapū and Māori communities, ensuring Māori perspectives are reflected in planning, decision-making and community outcomes. You will champion the development and implementation of Council's Māori Engagement Strategy and provide trusted strategic advice across the organisation. Working closely with mana whenua, iwi, hapū, marae, elected members and Council leaders, you will help strengthen enduring partnerships.

Ngā kawenga matua | Key responsibilities

• Provide strategic advice on Māori aspirations, Te Tiriti o Waitangi responsibilities, opportunities and emerging issues.


• Build and maintain strong, enduring relationships with mana whenua, iwi, hapū, marae and Māori organisations.


• Lead meaningful Māori engagement and participation across Council planning, projects and decision-making processes.


• Support community resilience initiatives, including wellbeing, climate resilience, emergency preparedness and future-focused planning.


• Develop and lead an organisation-wide cultural capability programme that strengthens understanding and application of Te Tiriti and tikanga Māori.

Ko wai koe? | About you

We Are Looking For Someone Who Brings

• Demonstrated experience working alongside iwi, hapū and Māori communities.


• Strong understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its practical application within local government or a comparable environment.


• Proven success building strategic relationships and facilitating meaningful engagement.


• Proficiency in Te Reo Māori me ōna tikanga and a sound understanding of mātauranga Māori.


• Excellent communication, influencing and relationship management skills.


• Political awareness, sound judgement and the ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments.

Experience within Hauraki or neighbouring rohe, community development, resilience, environmental management or local government would be highly valued.

He aha te take e haere mai ai koe ki a mātou? | Why join us?

This is an opportunity to make a lasting contribution to the future of the Coromandel Peninsula. You'll work alongside passionate people who are committed to serving our communities and building stronger partnerships that create positive outcomes for current and future generations.

At Thames-Coromandel District Council, we value diversity, inclusion and belonging. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds and are committed to supporting an environment where te ao Māori is respected, valued and reflected in how we work.

Applications close Sunday 27 September 2026