17th June, 2026
Te Ātiawa o Te Waka-a-Māui Trust holds mana whenua and mana moana across Te Tauihu, encompassing the Nelson, Tasman and Marlborough regions. Mandated through our Trust Deed, we work to protect and advance the rights and interests of our iwi.
Are you an experienced senior leader who thrives on bringing structure, clarity, and momentum to an organisation with purpose? Do you want to play a key role in supporting the aspirations of Te Ātiawa whānau?
We are seeking a Pou Amotake - Manager Business & Operations to join our team on a fixed-term maternity leave cover for a period of 12-months, reporting directly to the Pouwhakahaere (Chief Executive).
Our work is tupuna led and mokopuna driven, guided by our core values:
- Kia pono, kia pūmau, kia hūmārie ai te tū - We act with honesty, integrity, strength, and humility.
- Tiaki moana, miri whenua, manaaki tangata, kia ora ai ngā uri - We protect our land and waters, and value our kinship and connections.
- Me aro ki ō tātou wawata, moemoeā hoki - We are resolute in our collective pursuit and commitment to our priorities.
Mō te tūranga mahi - About the role This is a critical leadership position responsible for ensuring the Trust operates effectively to deliver on its strategy, vision, and long-term objectives. You will work closely with the CEO to drive organisational performance and strengthen systems and processes.
Your scope will include:
- Leading group planning and supporting strategic and annual plan delivery
- Overseeing operations, risk management, and organisational systems
- Supporting financial management alongside the Group Accountant
- Providing leadership, mentoring, and HR oversight across a small team
- Driving continuous improvement and special projects as required
- Leading engagement and communications approaches for the Trust
You'll also act as a key connector across the Trust, its subsidiaries, and stakeholders, helping ensure alignment, accountability, and high performance.
Mōu - About you A capable and adaptable leader who can step into a broad, dynamic role and make an immediate impact. You bring:
- Proven senior experience in business, operations, or organisational management
- Strong leadership and people management capability
- Experience working with governance structures, boards, and reporting processes
- Sound financial and risk management understanding
- Ability to build relationships and work effectively across diverse stakeholders
- Excellent communication, writing, and organisational skills
You will also demonstrate:
- High integrity and alignment with values such as pono, manaaki, kaitiaki, and pūmau
- Cultural awareness and respect for te ao Māori, tikanga, and iwi contexts (knowledge of te reo Māori is advantageous)
- A proactive, solutions-focused approach with the ability to work both strategically and hands-on.
Tohu Mātauranga me Tautōhito - Qualifications and Experience - Relevant tertiary qualification in business or a related field (or equivalent experience)
- Proven experience in senior business or operations management
- Experience working with Boards and governance processes
- Strong understanding of financial management and organisational systems
- Demonstrated people leadership and stakeholder management capability
Desirable:
- Experience in an iwi, Māori, or kaupapa-driven environment
- Understanding of te ao Māori and tikanga
For confidential enquiries, please contact Sacha MacDonald 027-386-9288 or alternatively you may apply with a cover letter explaining your fit to the position, attaching your resume. All enquiries and applications will be treated in strict confidence.
Applications close on 12/07/2026
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