_{19th May, 2026}

ABOUT NEW ZEALAND RUGBY:
Rugby is deeply woven into the identity, culture and communities of Aotearoa New Zealand. Māori have always played a defining role in shaping the game through leadership, excellence and cultural influence both here and globally.
 
This is one of the most significant cultural leadership opportunities in New Zealand sport - a role with the ability to influence how te ao Māori, tikanga Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi commitments are embedded across the future of rugby in Aotearoa.
 
Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the Kaihautū Māori will provide strategic leadership across the organisation and wider rugby system, helping ensure Māori perspectives, aspirations and outcomes are meaningfully reflected across the game.
 
About The Role:
Reporting to the Chief Executive, the Kaihautū Māori will lead and influence cultural strategy across New Zealand Rugby, helping strengthen Māori participation, pathways, partnerships and outcomes across all levels of the game.
 
Areas of responsibility include:

• Embedding te ao Māori perspectives, tikanga Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi commitments across NZ Rugby's strategy and operations.
• Advancing Māori participation and development pathways across the rugby system.
• Strengthening organisational and system-wide cultural capability.
• Supporting alignment between the New Zealand Māori Rugby Board and NZ Rugby's wider strategic direction.
• Building strong relationships across iwi, Māori communities and key rugby stakeholders.
• Helping protect and appropriately leverage Māori identity, values and intellectual property within rugby and across our commercial priorities.
• Representing NZ Rugby across key Māori and stakeholder forums.

 
About You:
We are seeking a credible and influential senior leader with a deep understanding of te ao Māori and the ability to build trust, alignment and meaningful partnerships across a complex environment. You will bring:
 

• Senior leadership experience within complex stakeholder environments.
• Strong understanding of te ao Māori, tikanga Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
• Established relationships and credibility within Māori communities and networks.
• Experience influencing strategy, culture or organisational change.
• Exceptional relationship management and stakeholder engagement capability.
• Strong strategic thinking, communication and leadership skills.
• The ability to work collaboratively across community, commercial and high-performance environments.
• Authenticity, resilience and the ability to navigate complexity with confidence.
• An understanding of the rugby system in Aotearoa is advantageous but not essential.

 
This is a rare opportunity to help shape the future of rugby in Aotearoa and strengthen outcomes for Māori across the game for generations to come.
 
Applications close - Monday 8th June 2026

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