Pou Whakahaere - General Manager - Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa Iwi Development Trust

• Lead strategic kaupapa for whānau, hapū, and marae across Wairarapa.
• Commercially impactful, values-driven kaupapa Māori leadership. 
• Play a key leadership role in the post-settlement future of the iwi.
• Role is based in Whakaoriori/Masterton.

Nau mai e te wairua taketake ki a tātou i tēnei ao hurihuri.

Nau mai e te wairua taketake ki a tātou i tēnei ao hurihuri o tātou. 

Aronuitia ngā kanohi o mua, nā rātou tātou i arataki haere atu rā haere. Te hunga ora kia mārohirohi tātou, kai mataara, kia manawanui. E mihi atu ana me te kī whakapiri mai ki a mātou me te tūranga e wātea nei. Titiro whakararo ki ngā kōrero whakamārama mō tēnei mahi, tērā pea ko koe te tangata tika. Kia tere tuku mai i tō tono ki a mātou, mā mātou e wetewete. Kia pai te Atua ki te tuku i tana aroha ki a koutou me ō koutou whānau, tēnā koutou e tau ana.

Mō mātou | About Us

The Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa Tāmaki-nui-a-Rua Settlement Trust (the Settlement Trust) is the Post Settlement Governance Entity (PSGE) established to receive, manage, and grow the Treaty Settlement assets of Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa Tāmaki-nui-a-Rua. The settlement encompasses financial redress, cultural acknowledgements, and an apology from the Crown.

Guided by 12 Trustees appointed by Ngā Hapū Karanga, the settlement Trust are deeply committed to the well-being and prosperity of iwi and hapū. Their offices are based in Masterton and Dannevirke, overseeing a group of entities that includes:

• Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa Iwi Development Trust.
• Ngāti Kahungunu Tāmaki-nui-a-Rua Iwi Development Trust.
• Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa Tāmaki-nui-a-Rua Investment Trust.

Their mahi is grounded in manaakitanga (care and respect), kotahitanga (unity), and whanaungatanga (strong relationships) as they work together with a strategic focus on sustainable intergenerational prosperity and a prosperous future for their people and community.

Mō te tūranga | About the Role

We are seeking a commercially astute, kaupapa grounded Māori leader to take up the Pou Whakahaere (General Manager) role and alongside the SLT, lead the Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa Iwi Development Trust. This position will shape and deliver iwi development strategy, support whānau and hapū aspirations, and drive meaningful partnerships.

Reporting to the Kaihautū of the Settlement Trust, this is both a strategic and operational leadership role overseeing a growing portfolio of projects and initiatives. You will lead a small team of committed kaimahi, represent the Trust with mana, and cultivate relationships across iwi, hapū, marae, Crown agencies, local government, and strategic partners.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Delivering on annual and strategic plans aligned with the aspirations of the iwi.
• Leading and supporting engagement with hapū, marae, and whānau across Wairarapa.
• Managing operational staff and resources to ensure high-quality project delivery.
• Developing strategic partnerships with local government, Crown agencies, and external stakeholders.
• Support governance with risk, compliance, and strategic insights.
• Contributing to broader iwi development conversations as part of a collaborative leadership team.

Ko tāu nā i tēnei tūranga | What you’ll bring to the role

We are looking for a leader with a strong track record in organisational and people leadership, stakeholder engagement, and strategic delivery. You will be a natural relationship builder who thrives in a collaborative, values-based environment.

Ideally, you will bring:

• Proven leadership and operational management experience within kaupapa Māori, public, or iwi sector settings.
• A strategic mindset with the ability to develop, lead and deliver initiatives aligned with iwi development goals.
• Commercial acumen and sound understanding of risk, reporting and delivery.
• Deep understanding of te reo me ōna tikanga. 
• Excellent relationship management skills, particularly with hapū, marae, and iwi entities.
• Experience managing staff and building high-performing teams.
• Confidence navigating relationships with government agencies, councils, and other strategic partners.
• Strong financial, project management and reporting capabilities.
• Relevant tertiary qualifications in management, business, law, policy, or related fields are desirable.

Ko tā mātou e tuku | What we offer

• A meaningful role contributing to the growth and development of the iwi.
• A supportive and inclusive workplace culture, grounded in tikanga Māori.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.
• Competitive remuneration reflective of your skills and experience.

Me pēhea te tono mai | How to apply
To find out more about the role, please contact Heather Walker at Mana Recruitment heather@manarecruitment.co.nz to request an information kete or email your cover letter and CV directly quoting reference number W306.

Applications close: Wednesday 9 July 2025 at 5.00pm.