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

This is a unique executive leadership opportunity to guide a newly established organisation with a broad and meaningful mandate across social, environmental, cultural, and commercial domains. Reporting to the Pou Whakarae, and accountable to the Pou Arataki (Board), the Tumu Whakarae will play a central, unifying role within our pā-based organisational model, ensuring strategic cohesion, operational integrity, and kaupapa-aligned delivery. The Tumu Whakarae connects the inside and outside of the organisation, protects the integrity of the kaupapa, and carries the aspirations of Ngāi Te Ruahikihiki ki Taumutu into every relationship and setting we engage in. This is a role of leadership, stewardship, and legacy.

He kōrero mō te tūranga – About the role

The Tumu Whakarae is responsible for providing strategic leadership and operational oversight to Taumutu Rūnanga Limited, advancing the organisation’s vision and kaupapa, and ensuring strong performance across all areas of activity. The role spans social service leadership, environmental management, kaupapa Māori strategy, commercial oversight, and high-level advocacy.

Working alongside the Pou Whakarae and Pou Arataki, you will lead strategic planning, translate strategy into integrated delivery across the organisation, and build a high-performing team grounded in kaupapa Māori values. You will represent Taumutu Rūnanga Limited at senior hui and negotiations, lead mana-to-mana relationships with Crown and local government, and secure resources and partnerships that deliver intergenerational value for whānau.

This role holds accountability for organisational performance, financial stewardship, revenue generation, risk and compliance, and governance reporting, while ensuring whānau remain at the centre of all decision-making.

He kōrero mōu – About you / What we’re looking for

• Proven executive or senior leadership experience within complex, values‑led or kaupapa Māori organisations
• Demonstrated ability to build, lead and sustain high‑performing teams and organisational culture
• Strong cultural competence working with whānau, hapū and iwi, with respect for tikanga Māori and whānau dynamics
• Clear commitment to advancing hapū aspirations, mana motuhake and cultural integrity
• Applied understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and post‑settlement iwi and rūnanga structures
• Experience leading multi‑disciplinary strategy and translating it into effective organisational delivery
• Sound commercial and financial leadership, including budget oversight, revenue generation and investment stewardship
• Exceptional relationship‑building, communication and influencing skills across government, iwi and sector partners

Mō mātou – About us

Te Taumutu Rūnanga descends from the ancestor Te Ruahikihiki and his son Moki (II), who settled at Taumutu in the 17th century. Ngāi Te Ruahikihiki ki Taumutu are the primary guardians of the Te Waihora catchment, with responsibilities extending across the Selwyn District and south to the Hakatere/Ashburton River.

Taumutu Rūnanga Limited, established in 2024, is the operating company of Te Taumutu Rūnanga and one of the 18 Papatipu Rūnanga of Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu. The organisation delivers across social, environmental, cultural and commercial domains, grounded in a kaupapa Māori pā-based organisational model where whānau sit at the centre of all activity. Our mission is to unlock the potential of our people, our place, and our partnerships through tino rangatiratanga, creating enduring impact for generations to come.

Ko tā mātou mahi – We offer

We offer a rare opportunity to lead a kaupapa Māori organisation at a pivotal moment in its evolution. You will work in a values-led environment with strong governance support, meaningful purpose, and the ability to shape long-term outcomes for whānau and hapū. We invest in the professional and cultural development of our leaders, support flexible working arrangements, and foster a workplace grounded in respect, excellence and inclusion.

Me pēhea te tono mai – How to apply

To apply, send a copy of your CV and a cover letter outlining your leadership experience and alignment with our kaupapa to TalentTaumutu@ngaitahu.iwi.nz

For confidential enquiries, please contact Janyne Morrison on 021 659 546 or email TalentTaumutu@ngaitahu.iwi.nz

Position Description TRL PD – Tumu Whakarae

Closing Date 30 April 2026

Nau mai, haere mai, tauti mai!