Manahautu - General Manager

Brannigans Consulting Limited; Timaru; On-site; NZD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Te Rūnanga o Waihao in Aotearoa is seeking an exceptional Manahautū – General Manager to lead the tribe's strategy, direct day-to-day operations and work with our Board, kaimahi, whānau and partners to turn vision into action.

Based in Waimate, this full-time role requires strategic leadership, financial oversight, people management and the ability to translate kaupapa into measurable outcomes while upholding tikanga and values.

Qualifications

• Proven strategic leadership experience.
• Strong governance and financial oversight capabilities.
• Ability to communicate with Boards, kaimahi and whānau effectively.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategy and day-to-day operations for Te Rūnanga o Waihao.
• Ensure budgets, compliance and cultural alignment across activities.
• Provide trusted strategic advice to the Incorporated Society Board.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Financial literacy

People management

Governance reporting

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

Ko wai Mātou - Who We Are

At Te Rūnanga o Waihao, we are boldly reimagining how we serve our people and our place. Following a purposeful review of our governance and operations, we are rebuilding with intention – strengthening our foundations so that mana whenua leadership, kaupapa Māori values and intergenerational wellbeing are at the heart of all we do.

We are setting a new course. One grounded in rakatirataka, sustained by tikanga and powered by whakapapa. We are enabling place based strategies and long term solutions that uplift our rūnanga, hapū and whānau – now and into the future.

Whai wāhi - The Opportunity

We are now seeking an exceptional Manahautū – General Manager to lead the Rūnanga’s strategy, direct day to day operations and work alongside our Board, kaimahi, whānau and partners to turn vision into action.

The Manahautū is the engine room of Te Rūnanga o Waihao. This role brings together strategic leadership, operational delivery, governance support, financial oversight, people leadership and trusted relationship management. You will support and report to the Incorporated Society Board, manage a small team and be a visible and credible presence for whānau, the Marae, partners and external stakeholders.

Based full-time in Waimate, you will keep the waka moving: implementing strategic priorities, strengthening systems and processes, supporting good governance, managing budgets and compliance, and ensuring Waihao’s activities remain aligned to our cultural values and long term aspirations.

He kōrero mōu - About you

Across this role, we are looking for someone who:

• Leads with humility, integrity, courage and care
• Understands and champions tikanga, mana whenua leadership and Māori aspirations
• Can translate strategy into practical action and measurable outcomes
• Has proven experience in strategic leadership, operations and people management
• Brings strong financial literacy, budget management and sound business acumen
• Can work confidently with Boards, prepare high-quality papers, and provide trusted strategic advice
• Builds strong, enduring relationships with whānau, Te Tiriti partners, stakeholders and community networks
• Is comfortable being visible in the takiwā and present at the Marae when appropriate
• Communicates clearly, both written and verbal, and can engage effectively across diverse audiences
• Is proactive, resilient, adaptable and motivated by legacy, whenua and Kaupapa

He aha te take o Waihao? - Why Waihao?

This is a rare opportunity to join a grounded, whānau driven organisation at a transformative moment. You will help shape the next phase of Te Rūnanga o Waihao, strengthening our operations and partnerships while supporting place based strategies and long term solutions that uplift our rūnanga, hapū and whānau.

We are not just hiring a General Manager. We are investing in a leader who will help carry our kaupapa forward for generations to come.

Let’s build something enduring – together.

Te Rūnanga o Waihao – Mō tātou, ā, mō kā uri ā muri ake nei

Applications for this role close at 5pm on Wednesday 9 September