Job Description
Head of Māori Partnership and Enablement – Tātaki Auckland Unlimited
Mō mātou | About us
Tātaki Auckland Unlimited (TAU) is Auckland’s agency for culture, events, and destination. We bring Tāmaki Makaurau to life through events and experiences that connect our diverse communities and celebrate identity.
As part of Auckland Council, we are committed to the wellbeing and vibrancy of our city and our relationship with te ao Māori is central to our region’s unique strength. We honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi and embed Māori perspectives across everything we do.
Mō te tūranga | About the role
Our Māori Outcomes Directorate is looking for a passionate, values-driven leader to join us as Head of Māori Partnerships and Enablement. This is a pivotal new role shaping how we partner, plan, and deliver with te ao Māori across TAU.
You will guide the next phase of our Māori Outcomes journey, leading a small, high-performing team to strengthen relationships with Iwi, Hapū, and Mātāwaka partners, and align initiatives with Te Mahere Aronga (our Māori Outcomes Plan). You’ll play a key role in shaping a way of working that embeds Tiriti-led practice, cultural integrity, and Māori perspectives across TAU’s arts, cultural, festivals, and destination portfolios.
In your mahi you will:
- Build systems and relationships with Mana whenua and Mātāwaka that are trusted, well-resourced and future focused.
- Provide thought leadership and strategic advice to the Māori Outcomes Director and leadership team on partnership approaches, cultural practices and Māori led outcomes.
- Influence across the organisation to integrate Māori Outcomes into planning, governance, decision making and delivery excellence.
- Shape partnership frameworks and enablement tools that build capability across TAU to work effectively and respectfully with Māori communities.
He kōrero mōu | About you
This is a dynamic opportunity for someone with energy and vision to influence meaningful outcomes. You are an experienced leader with exceptional relationship management, programme delivery and cultural capability.
You bring warmth, humility, and integrity and able to hold space without demanding it. You thrive on collaboration and whanaungatanga, and you are confident working with Tangata Whenua and Tangata Tiriti.
You will bring:
- 8+ years in Māori partnership development, programme delivery, or Māori Outcomes leadership.
- Proven success influencing at senior levels and leading complex change ideally within a political environment.
- Deep understanding of tikanga Māori, mātauranga Māori, and Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
- Proficiency in te reo Māori and confidence in Māori contexts.
- Strategic vision and operational excellence. Ideally you will have experience working within the public sector and/or a background in the performing arts.
Ngā painga | What we offer
At TAU, your work will shape a city that celebrates identity, connection, and belonging. We offer flexible working, a supportive environment, and a genuine commitment to wellbeing, diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Me pēhea te tono | To apply
For a confidential kōrero and to request a copy of the position description contact : Awhina Kanohi on 027 484 9939 email awhina.kanohi@nicherecruitment.co.nz or Carl Church on 021 166 6441 email carl.church@nicherecruitment.co.nz
To apply, submit your covering letter and CV by 5pm Tue 25th Nov 2025. Applications will be reviewed as we receive them, and interviews may take place before the close date. We reserve the right to close advertising early.
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