Te Akura Lead

Company Description Waikato-Tainui is a leading tribal organization representing 68 marae and more than 82,000 tribal members, guided by a mission to build a prosperous, healthy, vibrant, innovative, and culturally strong iwi. The organization is responsible for protecting and upholding Crown settlements to benefit current and future generations. Waikato-Tainui delivers initiatives that support cultural wellbeing, education, employment, housing, health, environmental sustainability, and economic development for tribal members and marae. Its work spans kaupapa, hapori, taiao, whai rawa, and mahi tonu, ensuring holistic support for iwi development. A strong focus is placed on building the capacity of whaanau and developing kaimahi so they are well equipped to serve the iwi’s long-term purpose.Role Description The Te Akura Lead is a full-time, on-site role based in the Greater Hamilton Area, responsible for leading Te Akura initiatives that strengthen iwi capability, wellbeing, and cultural resilience. This role involves designing and overseeing programs that align with Waikato-Tainui strategies across kaupapa, hapori, taiao, whai rawa, and mahi tonu, ensuring they reflect iwi values and aspirations. The Te Akura Lead will coordinate with marae, tribal members, and internal teams to plan and deliver projects, manage reporting and evaluation, and ensure resources are used effectively. Day-to-day tasks include stakeholder engagement, facilitation of wānanga and workshops, collaboration with subject-matter experts, and continuous improvement of initiatives based on feedback and outcomes. The role also includes contributing to strategic planning, maintaining strong relationships with partner organizations, and supporting the development and wellbeing of kaimahi involved in Te Akura programs.Qualifications Demonstrated experience in programme or project leadership, including planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation.Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management capabilities, particularly with iwi, marae, community groups, and partner organizations.Proven ability to facilitate hui, workshops, and wānanga, with confidence in presenting and communicating to diverse audiences.Sound understanding of Waikato-Tainui kaupapa, te reo Māori me ōna tikanga, and iwi development priorities (or willingness to learn and engage deeply).Experience working in community development, education, health, social services, or related fields that support whaanau and iwi wellbeing.Excellent organizational skills, including time management, prioritization, and the ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.Strong written and verbal communication skills, with experience preparing reports, proposals, and presentations.Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and to operate with integrity, cultural safety, and respect.Relevant tertiary qualification in Māori development, social sciences, education, management,