Job Description

Ko Ngāti Awa te toki tē tangatanga i te rā, tē ngohengohe i te wai

Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa (TRONA) leads the cultural, social, environmental, and economic wellbeing of Ngāti Awa safeguarding our legacy to secure our future.

TRONA oversees the growth of our assets and our people through subsidiaries, driving innovation that enables hapū and whānau to visualise what self-determination and collective prosperity looks like.

As Manahautū, you will work with the Board to execute our strategic vision, implementing Te Toki Strategic Plan 2025–2030 and working with kaimahi to help realise iwi, hapū and whānau aspirations.

You will ensure alignment across the TRONA group, strengthening relationships with hapū, whānau and partners. You will champion Ngāti Awatanga in all activities by embedding kaitiakitanga and mātauranga Māori into environmental and organisational practices.

Ko wai koe | About You

You are an intergenerational leader, grounded in tikanga and whakapapa, with a focus on the future for our people. You bring:

• At least 7–10 years’ senior executive, chief executive or executive director experience, with a proven record of evolving organisations.
• Demonstrated ability to execute strategic plans and deliver measurable results aligned to TRONA  social, economic and environmental goals and wellbeing.
• Deep knowledge of Ngāti Awatanga, te reo Māori, tikanga, and hapū/iwi development, with confidence operating in local, regional and national settings.
• Team leadership and collaboration skills.
• Ability to build high-performing teams.
• Proven experience fostering an inclusive culture where kaimahi feel safe in giving and receiving feedback.
• Strong commercial acumen and financial literacy.
• Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills across iwi, hapū, whānau, marae, government, business, private, philanthropic and community sectors.
• Board-reporting experience and a strong understanding of kaupapa-driven governance frameworks, statutory and fiduciary obligations.
• Ideally you will have a tertiary qualification.

Apply Now | Tono mai

If you are ready to lead Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa into its next era, we invite you to apply. For a copy of the position description or a confidential kōrero, contact:
Carl Church – 021 166 6441 
carl.church@nicherecruitment.co.nz

To apply: submit your cover letter and CV online or directly to carl.church@nicherecruitment.co.nz by Friday the 12th of December 2025.
Initial interviews and shortlisting will be completed prior to Christmas and formal interviews will occur in mid-late January 2026.