Pou Whakahaere | Chief Executive
Te Punanga Ora
Te tūranga | The opportunity
Te Punanga Ora is the Iwi Māori Partnership Board for Taranaki, comprising representatives mandated by the eight iwi of Taranaki. It works to ensure whānau Māori voices and aspirations influence health planning and decision-making across the rohe.
Reporting directly to the Board, you will have the autonomy to lead Te Punanga Ora, bring fresh thinking and advocate for the needs and aspirations of whānau Māori. You'll play a key role in shaping priorities, influencing decisions and strengthening hauora outcomes across Taranaki.
Ngā haepapa | Key responsibilities
· Lead the work to ensure whānau Māori voices are heard, represented and influence health planning and decision-making.
· Translate the Board’s strategic direction into clear priorities and deliver measurable results.
· Build trusted relationships with iwi, hapū, whānau, Māori health providers, government agencies and regional partners.
· Provide sound strategic advice, clear recommendations and timely reporting to support Board decision-making.
· Lead financial management, contractor coordination, risk and operational performance.
Ngā Pūkenga me ngā Wheako | Our Ideal Candidate
The Board is seeking a confident, experienced leader who brings sound judgement, builds trust and is comfortable taking responsibility for decisions. Whether you've led an organisation or held a senior executive role, we're interested in your experience, perspective and track record of delivering results.
Whakapapa to Taranaki or strong, established connections within Taranaki are essential for this role. You will bring a strong understanding of te ao Māori, knowledge of tikanga Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and a genuine commitment to te reo Māori.
You'll bring:
· Experience leading with autonomy, setting direction and taking responsibility for outcomes.
· Established relationships with iwi, hapū and Māori communities and leaders.
· The initiative to see opportunities, bring forward well-considered ideas and make things happen.
· An understanding of hauora Māori and the ability to navigate a changing health and political landscape.
· An ability to connect genuinely with people, build relationships grounded in trust and respect, and bring different perspectives together.
· Sound financial and operational judgement, with the ability to manage resources and keep the organisation on track.
· Experience in the health or hauora Māori sector would be an advantage, as would experience working with a governance Board.
· This Taranaki-based appointment is a three-year contractor engagement requiring approximately 30 hours per week, worked flexibly. Some travel and occasional evening or weekend commitments will be required.
Me pēhea te tono? | How to apply
Trace Consulting is managing this appointment on behalf of Te Punanga Ora.
Click below to download the Candidate Information Pack and Position Description or email Tracey Soffe at trace@traceconsulting.co.nz to arrange a confidential conversation about this role.
Apply by submitting your CV and cover letter online.
Applications close: 2 December 2026
