_{25th September, 2026}

Strengthening Education

Te Tāhuhu o Te Mātauranga | The Ministry of Education (Te Tāhuhu) plays a critical role in shaping New Zealand's education system to deliver equitable and excellent outcomes for all learners. We are reshaping how Te Tāhuhu is organised to sharpen our focus on core priorities, be outward-facing and evidence-led, and build a strong organisational culture. We are seeking exceptional leaders who can navigate complexity, lead change, and deliver meaningful outcomes for learners and educators nationally.

About this role | Mō tēnei tūranga

The General Manager, Practice and Systems Change contributes to the collective leadership and governance of Te Tāhuhu, helping to deliver our purpose and embed the strategic vision. You will help to shape and elevate Māori education-centred practice across the broader education system by defining standards and translating strategy into guidance, so that ākonga and whānau experience equitable and excellent education outcomes.

You will lead two teams responsible for practice and guidance-setting, channel enablement and systems change. Defining and publishing practice standards, tools and guidance, translating strategy into practical delivery models, and embedding Māori education-centred expectations into policy, service and operational design across the system. You will ensure Māori education-centred guidance and escalation pathways are embedded across all frontline channels, enabling consistent, appropriate experiences for learners.

As a General Manager, you will support the organisation to build workforce capability, create a safe, positive and inclusive workplace, and strengthen the Māori-Crown relationship by role modelling authentic practice, developing partnerships and collaborating with stakeholders across the public sector and education system to shape priorities and deliver outcomes.

About you | Mōhou ake

You are a respected Māori education leader who thrives on turning strategy into practice, with an understanding of Māori education provision - te reo, tikanga and mātauranga Māori, the credibility to work with iwi leaders and Māori education partners across the public sector, and the collaborative style needed to bring frontline channels, policy teams and stakeholders along on the journey.

You will bring:

• Experience leading the implementation, monitoring and improvement of systems, standards, frameworks, processes and guidance
• Existing and credible relationships with people leader groups and Māori partners across the Public Service
• Respected leader with an understanding of te reo Māori, tikanga Māori and mātauranga Māori
• Experienced at working in the public sector environment and providing advice to Ministers, with sound machinery of government knowledge
• Existing networks with iwi leaders and Māori educational leaders
• Senior leadership experience within a complex environment, with the ability to operate through an ao Māori lens
• Experience developing and delivering integrated strategic and operational plans and budgets
• Experience driving organisational change aligned to strategic priorities that delivers intended outcomes.

  
About the group | Mātau rōpū ake

This role sits within Te Pou Tuarongo | Māori Education, the business group responsible for shaping and elevating Māori-centred practice across the education system.

Ready to make a difference? | Kua rite koe mō tēnei mahi?

If you're a leader who can turn strategy into practical guidance, and lead systems change that benefits ākonga and whānau, this is your chance to shape Māori education-centred practice across Aotearoa's education system.

This recruitment is managed exclusively by Rothley. Please contact info@rothley.co.nz for a position description or call Kirsty Brown on 021 660 757 or Hannah Anderson on 027 637 1382 for a confidential conversation.
  
Please apply with an up-to-date CV and cover letter. Applications close 14 October.
  
  
We want our candidates to feel valued for their unique qualities and have a sense of belonging. If you require assistance or adjustments to fully participate in the recruitment process, please let us know.

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