_{24th 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 exist to protect and advance the rights and interests of our iwi.
 
Guided by our 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 pivotal and influential leadership role providing strategic cultural advice and direction to the Pouwhakahaere (CEO), Board, and wider organisation.  As Pou Ahurea, you will guide how Te Ao Māori, tikanga, and mātauranga are embedded across organisational strategy, decision-making, and operations. You will act as a trusted cultural authority, ensuring all initiatives align with Te Ātiawa values, identity, and long-term aspirations.
 
Key areas of focus include:
 

• Providing strategic cultural advisory to leadership and governance
• Leading cultural stewardship, including the protection and revitalisation of taonga and knowledge
• Driving cultural strategy and capability uplift across the organisation
• Strengthening relationships with iwi, Crown, and community partners
• Guiding cultural governance, risk, and integrity frameworks

 
You will also act as a key cultural connector, strengthening relationships between kaumātua, whānau, and leadership, while representing Te Ātiawa in important external forums.
 
Mōu - About you
You are a highly credible and respected cultural leader, comfortable operating at strategic and governance levels, and able to influence direction through insight, integrity, and cultural authority.
 
You will bring:

• Significant experience in cultural advisory, iwi development, or related leadership roles
• Proven ability to advise senior leaders, Boards, and governance groups
• Deep expertise in te ao Māori, tikanga, whakapapa, and iwi perspectives
• Strong relationship-building and stakeholder engagement capability
• Confidence communicating in both Te Reo Māori and English
• The ability to navigate complex, culturally sensitive environments

 
You will also demonstrate:

• A strong commitment to manaakitanga, whanaungatanga, kaitiakitanga, and rangatiratanga
• High levels of personal credibility and trust across whānau and stakeholders
• A future-focused, intergenerational mindset
• Integrity, humility, and a passion for strengthening Te Ātiawa identity

 
Tohu Mātauranga me Tautōhito - Qualifications and Experience

• Relevant tertiary qualification (or equivalent experience)
• Extensive experience in strategic cultural leadership or advisory roles
• Experience working across iwi, government, or complex stakeholder environments
• Demonstrated ability to embed cultural frameworks into organisational systems and strategy

 
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 15/07/2026

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