_{10th April, 2026}

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced leader to join Te Puni Kōkiri in the position of Regional Director, Te Tai Hauāuru, Regions.
  
You will bring to the position a deep understanding of Māori communities, in depth understanding of te ao Māori and tikanga, and ability to drive progress towards achievement of our strategy. 
  
Te Whiwinga Mahi | The opportunity
The Regions puni is responsible for:

• Implementation and delivery of Te Puni Kōkiri strategy across the motu.
• Building and maintaining relationships with hapori Māori to support engagement with strategic priorities for government.
• Gathering and analysis of insights to inform policy development.
• Advising on innovative initiatives that build capability and readiness of whānau and Māori communities to achieve their aspirations.

  
As Regional Director, Te Tai Hauāuru you will be responsible for:

• Leading the team to ensure clear regional focus on delivery of our Minister's priorities.
• Development and delivery of the regional work programme.
• Leading with purpose on Māori development across the sector and influencing across government to promote Māori wellbeing outcomes.
• Ensuring connection across the enterprise to ensure alignment with overall Te Puni Kōkiri priorities and outcomes.
• Management of internal and external stakeholder relationships.
• Financial management of your work areas.

  
Ko wai koe | About you
The ideal candidate for this position will:

• Demonstrate deep experience working with hapori Māori and be able to demonstrate success in influencing outcomes.
• Be competent working in, and as a senior leader in an ao Māori environment, including in depth tikanga knowledge and a level of fluency in te reo Māori.
• Have the ability to quickly pivot between leading priority tasks, while responding to needs of the government of the day. Resilience in the face of change, remaining calm under pressure
• Understand government and public sector processes and the wider context of the public service.
• Have significant experience operating at a senior levels, with proven skillsets as outlined in the position description.
• Have excellent communication skills and the ability to operate in a quickly changing environment.
• Be comfortable working in ambiguity and advising on emerging risks and mitigations.

  
Tāu e whai ai | What you will get in return
  
Te Puni Kōkiri is a diverse and rewarding working environment full of passionate people focussed on discovering solutions that will assist in serving our communities. We are guided by our values of excellence, valuing people and relationships, working collectively and being creative and innovative. 

There is more to life than just work and we encourage our staff to maintain the right balance between work and personal pursuits. We recognise that a healthy workforce is a productive one so we're committed to providing opportunities and incentives for our employees to look after themselves, including:

• Optical allowance
• Hauora allowance
• Te Reo Māori proficiency allowance
• Provide enhanced parental leave provisions and childcare allowances.

Te Puni Kōkiri | Ministry of Māori Development

Ko tā Te Puni Kōkiri he tautoko, he mahi tahi hoki ki te Kāwanatanga, e whakarite ai, e tukuna ai hoki ngā kaupapa here, waihoki, e auahatia ai ngā kaupapa haumi heipū e whaipānga ngākaupai nei ki te Māori.
  
Te Puni Kōkiri, the Ministry of Māori Development, supports and works in partnership with the Government to design and deliver policies, as well as innovative targeted investment initiatives that have a significant and positive impact on Māori. 

Our commitment to 'Whānau Taurikura' - 'Thriving Whānau' enables whānau, hapū and iwi to succeed underpins everything that we do.
  
Our people are at the heart of achieving this vision and it is our people who contribute to supporting Māori collective success by creating and maintaining relationships with iwi, hapū and whānau Māori and government at both a local and national level. It is this that enables Māori participation and success as Māori, and it is our people who will create our best future.
  
We invite applications from individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. We believe that diversity fuels innovation and enriches our collective strength. Your unique perspectives, skills, and heritage contribute to our mission of advancing Māori aspirations and well-being.
  
Tono Mai | Apply Now!
This search process is being managed on Te Puni Kōkiri’s behalf by Rothley.

For a copy of the position description please email info@rothley.co.nz or you can apply through SEEK including a resume and covering letter.

Applications close on Thursday 30 April.

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