Kia hiwa rā!

Te Taumutu Rūnanga is seeking an experienced and strategically capable Director to represent Ngāi Te Ruahikihiki ki Taumutu within the Tāwhaki Joint Venture and associated entities.

This is a significant governance opportunity at the intersection of mana whenua leadership, whenua protection, innovation, infrastructure, and commercial development.

By virtue of this appointment, the successful candidate will serve as an Alternate Director within the Tāwhaki Joint Venture governance structure, while also holding a full Director appointment to Kaitorete Limited.

Working under the mandate of Pourewa, this role contributes to the long-term protection and advancement of mana whenua interests at Kaitorete while supporting the commercial and operational success of Tāwhaki as a nationally significant aerospace and innovation initiative.

He kōrero mō te tūranga – About the role

The Tāwhaki Director provides governance oversight, strategic leadership, advocacy, and due diligence responsibilities across the Tāwhaki Joint Venture structure and associated entities.

This role requires the ability to operate confidently within complex multi-party governance environments involving iwi, Crown agencies, commercial partners, infrastructure interests, and technical stakeholders.

The Director will contribute to strategic direction, commercial oversight, risk management, relationship management, and long-term planning, while ensuring that decisions uphold the values, aspirations, and responsibilities of Ngāi Te Ruahikihiki ki Taumutu.

A key focus of the role is ensuring that innovation and development at Kaitorete remain balanced with whenua protection, environmental stewardship, cultural integrity, and enduring mana whenua influence.

The role works closely alongside Wairewa Rūnanga representatives, Crown partners, operational leadership, and sector stakeholders.

He kōrero mōu – About you

We are seeking a highly experienced governance professional with strong commercial capability, strategic judgement, and the ability to navigate complex cultural and operational environments.

You will bring:

• Whakapapa connection to Ngāi Te Ruahikihiki ki Taumutu
• Extensive senior governance and board-level experience
• Significant commercial, infrastructure, investment, development, or economic leadership experience
• Experience operating within complex strategic and multi-party environments
• Strong understanding of tikanga Māori, mana whenua responsibilities, and rūnanga governance
• Confidence engaging with ministers, government agencies, commercial entities, and stakeholders
• Experience in strategic planning, risk oversight, investment, infrastructure, or large-scale development contexts
• Strong communication skills and the ability to contribute constructively within governance settings
• Calm, considered leadership and sound decision-making capability

Knowledge of Kaitorete, its significance, and the relationship between mana whenua and Tāwhaki is highly valued.

Tāwhaki represents a significant partnership and future opportunity, and this role is critical in ensuring that innovation and development continue to be grounded in mana whenua leadership and intergenerational thinking.

Ko tā mātou mahi – What we offer

This role offers the opportunity to contribute to a kaupapa of national significance while helping shape the future of Kaitorete and protecting the enduring interests of Taumutu.

You will work alongside experienced governance leaders, Crown partners, technical experts, and iwi representatives in a governance environment focused on long-term outcomes, innovation, and whenua protection. Director remuneration will be discussed with the successful applicant.

Me pēhea te tono mai – How to apply

To apply, please send:

• A current CV
• A short cover letter outlining your governance and commercial experience, and your interest in the role

For confidential enquiries, contact:

TalentTaumutu@ngaitahu.iwi.nz

Applications close: 5pm, Friday 12 June 2026

Nau mai, haere mai, tauti mai.

PD – Tāwhaki Director

*The closing date for applications for the Taumutu Mana Whenua Representative position on the Selwyn District Council has been extended to Fri 12 June, 2026. *

Kia hiwa rā

Te Taumutu Rūnanga is seeking a Mana Whenua Representative to represent the interests of Ngāi Te Ruahikihiki ki Taumutu within Selwyn District Council.

This role sits within Council’s governance environment and provides a mana whenua voice into decision-making processes.

Working under the mandate of Pourewa, this role supports the presence of Taumutu at the Council table and ensures our values, priorities, and aspirations are reflected at a governance level.

He kōrero mō te tūranga – About the role

The Mana Whenua Representative participates in Council meetings, workshops, and forums where mana whenua input is required.

You will:

• Represent Taumutu perspectives at Council table level
• Contribute to planning and decision-making processes
• Bring tikanga and mātauranga Māori into governance discussions
• Maintain accountability back to Pourewa

This is a representative governance role, rather than a coordination or operational function.

He kōrero mōu – About you

We are looking for someone already well connected to Taumutu, with the credibility and grounding to represent the hapū in a Council setting.

You will bring:

• Strong grounding in tikanga Māori and mātauranga Māori
• Commitment to hapū aspirations and mana motuhake
• Understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi in local government
• Experience in governance or advisory environments at local council level.
• Confidence operating in formal decision-making settings

Me pēhea te tono mai – How to apply

To apply, please send your CV and a short cover letter outlining your experience and connection to this kaupapa.

TalentTaumutu@ngaitahu.iwi.nz

Nau mai, haere mai, tauti mai

Role Description for Runanga Representatives