Māori Cultural Advisor

Ngati Awa Social Health Services; Whakatāne; On-site; NZD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Ngāti Awa Social & Health Services seeks a senior cultural leader to guide our organisation through its next chapter and uphold te ao Māori in every decision.

You will act as a key representative with iwi, hapū, marae and government agencies, advise the CEO on tikanga and strategic direction, and strengthen relationships across Ngāti Awa and the wider Māori sector, with scope for wānanga, te reo initiatives and professional development.

Qualifications

• Strong grounding in te ao Māori and trusted community relationships.
• Ability to represent the organisation with iwi, hapū, marae and government partners.
• Fluent in te reo Māori with tikanga and mātauranga Māori.
• Understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

Responsibilities

• Advise the CE and senior leaders on tikanga, cultural risk and strategic direction.
• Lead cultural capability development through wānanga, mentoring and te reo initiatives.
• Develop and maintain policies, practices and service delivery aligned to tikanga.
• Strengthen relationships across Ngāti Awa and the wider sector.
• Lead as a key representative with iwi, hapū, community partners and sector stakeholders.

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.

Over the years, Te Tohu o Te Ora o Ngāti Awa (otherwise known as Ngāti Awa Social & Health Services) has evolved into a leading iwi provider of health, social, employment and more recently, Kāinga Māori development services.

Following two decades of valued cultural leadership and service, we are seeking a successor to continue this important kaupapa and help guide us through our next chapter.

Act as a key representative with iwi, hapū, marae, community partners, government agencies, and sector stakeholders setting a strong example for the entire organisation.

Advise the CE and senior leaders on tikanga, cultural risk, and strategic direction.

Strengthen and maintain trusted relationships across Ngāti Awa and the wider sector.

Ensure organisational policies, practices, and service delivery remain aligned to tikanga Māori and Te Pou Mataaho.

Lead cultural capability development through wānanga, mentoring, training, and te reo Māori initiatives ensuring a deep understanding and commitment to our cultural framework.

We're seeking someone with a strong grounding in te ao Māori, trusted relationships within our communities, and the ability to confidently represent our organisation.

Strong knowledge of Ngāti Awa history, whakapapa, tikanga, kawa, future aspirations and strategic priorities.

Demonstrated capability in providing cultural leadership and advice.

Proven experience in cultural capability training, including implementing and delivering engaging sessions.

Fluent in te reo Māori me ōna tikanga, with a deep understanding of te ao Māori and mātauranga Māori.

The ability to navigate confidently between iwi, hapū, community and government environments.

Trusted relationships and networks across Ngāti Awa and the wider Māori sector.

A sound understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

You’ll have the opportunity to utilise and grow your skills, share your expertise, and continue your professional development through our Te Pou Mataaho wānanga and other learning opportunities. We offer a competitive salary reflective of your experience, along with a range of staff benefits and wellbeing supports, subject to eligibility. Explore the opportunities available and build a rewarding career with us.

Applications close 15 September 2026.