Kaumātua ki te Tumu Whakarae | Kaumātua to the Chief Executive Officer – Mahitahi Trust

Mahitahi Trust is a kaupapa Māori organisation dedicated to improving the wellbeing of individuals and whānau through integrated services across mental health, education, social support, employment, housing, and community development. Our mahi is guided by Ngā Pou e Waru, underpinned by tikanga Māori, and committed to empowering tangata whaiora and whānau to achieve wellness, independence, and aspiration.

We are seeking a highly respected and experienced Kaumātua to provide trusted cultural leadership, strategic advice, and pastoral support to our Tumu Whakarae (Chief Executive Officer), Executive Leadership Team, and wider organisation.

This is a unique opportunity to influence organisational leadership at the highest level while ensuring kaupapa Māori remains visible, authentic, and embedded throughout Mahitahi Trust and Mahitahi Kāinga Trust.

Te mahi tūranga | About the role

As Kaumātua ki te Tumu Whakarae, you will serve as a trusted cultural advisor and mentor to the Chief Executive Officer and Executive Leadership Team. You will provide cultural insight, wisdom, and guidance that strengthens organisational decision-making, leadership, strategy, and relationships.

This role is central to protecting and enhancing the cultural integrity of the Office of the Chief Executive while supporting Mahitahi to uphold tikanga Māori, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and the values embodied in Ngā Pou e Waru.

You will work alongside senior leaders, iwi, hapū, marae, community partners, and stakeholders to ensure Mahitahi continues to deliver services and leadership that are culturally safe, mana-enhancing, and grounded in kaupapa Māori.

Ngā kawenga matua | Key responsibilities

• Providing trusted strategic cultural advice to the Tumu Whakarae and Executive Leadership Team
• Supporting executive decision-making through a Te Ao Māori lens
• Strengthening the application of tikanga Māori and Ngā Pou e Waru across organisational leadership
• Providing cultural guidance on significant organisational matters, relationships, and strategic initiatives
• Leading and supporting cultural ceremonies and events including pōwhiri, whakatau, karakia, blessings, naming ceremonies, commemorations, and tangihanga
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with iwi, hapū, mana whenua, marae, and community partners
• Providing pastoral care, cultural mentoring, and guidance to leaders, kaimahi, whaiora, and whānau where appropriate
• Supporting organisational cultural capability and confidence through mentoring and knowledge-sharing
• Identifying cultural opportunities and risks and providing advice to strengthen organisational practice
• Upholding the cultural integrity, mana, and reputation of Mahitahi Trust and Mahitahi Kāinga Trust

Ngā pūkenga, ngā tohu ōu | What you will bring

• Recognised and respected Kaumātua with strong standing within te ao Māori
• Deep knowledge and lived experience of tikanga Māori, kawa, mātauranga Māori, and kaupapa Māori leadership
• Demonstrated experience providing cultural leadership and guidance to senior leaders or organisations
• Strong understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its application within organisational settings
• Experience engaging effectively with iwi, hapū, marae, and diverse communities
• High levels of integrity, discretion, and confidentiality
• Strong communication, relationship-building, mentoring, and influencing skills
• Ability to navigate governance, executive leadership, and community environments with confidence and humility
• A commitment to strengthening outcomes for whānau and communities

He mea pai ake | Ideally you will also have

• Experience supporting organisations through periods of growth, transformation, or change
• Experience providing pastoral support and cultural guidance in complex environments
• Knowledge of health, housing, education, employment, or social service sectors
• Experience supporting leaders to integrate kaupapa Māori principles into strategic and operational practice

Me toka pūmau ēnei | Applicants must

• Hold a full and valid New Zealand driver licence
• Consent to NZ Police and/or Ministry of Justice vetting
• Have the legal right to work in New Zealand

Ngā painga | What we offer

• A unique opportunity to influence organisational leadership and strategic direction through kaupapa Māori values
• A respected and trusted advisory role working directly alongside the Tumu Whakarae and Executive Leadership Team
• A supportive, values-driven workplace grounded in tikanga Māori and Ngā Pou e Waru
• Flexible work practices
• The opportunity to make a meaningful difference for whānau, communities, and future generations
• Ongoing support, connection, and engagement with organisational leadership

Nau mai, haere mai. Join us and help ensure kaupapa Māori continues to guide, strengthen, and inspire the future of Mahitahi.

Employer questions