Te Rau Mahi
Connecting tribal members with opportunities to advance your career and financial wellbeing. Get first access to employment, internships and cadetship opportunities through our trusted partners and networks.
For registered tribal members: Simply verify with your tribal registry details, complete the desired application form and done! Your application will go direct to the employer, but we'll still be there to support you every step of the way.
1.
Agree & Verify
Agree to the privacy statement and verify your tribal member details.
This ensures we can connect you with the right opportunities and handle your information safely.
2.
Complete Application Form
Fill in the job application for the opportunity of your choosing.
Along with your details, experience and referees, take your time to showcase yourself and what you offer – this information will go direct to the employer.
3.
Submit & Wait
Now that the employers know who you are and you can bring to the table, it’s time to sit back and wait for their call.
They’ll contact you directly and inform you on next steps.
Why Te Rau Mahi?
Mahi mattersBased on the Waikato-Tainui Five-Year Plan, Te Rau Mahi represents a critical workforce development initiative that directly supports the strategic objective of "Growing our People." This programme aligns with the iwi's commitment to enabling mana motuhake by investing in the development of skills, knowledge and tools that empower whaanau and marae to become self-sufficient and self-determining. Te Rau Mahi serves as a bridge between traditional maatauranga Maaori and contemporary career pathways, ensuring tribal members have access to meaningful employment opportunities that honour their identity while building economic resilience.
Te Rau Mahi embodies the Kiingitanga principles of mahi tahi (collaboration) and kotahitanga (unity) by creating partnerships between Waikato-Tainui, employers, and training providers to deliver culturally responsive workforce development. Through Te Rau Mahi, the iwi is building the foundational capabilities needed for the transition toward the future state envisioned in Whakatupuranga 2050 - where whaanau, hapuu and marae have access to what they need in their communities to be self-sufficient and self-determining. This includes developing local leadership capacity and creating pathways for rangatahi to contribute meaningfully to their marae economies.
Te Rau Mahi's impact extends beyond individual career outcomes to strengthen the collective readiness of the iwi for mana motuhake. By growing skilled tribal members who can take on leadership roles within marae and hapuu, the programme supports the organisational readiness required for the gradual devolution of services and resources outlined in the Five-Year Plan. This workforce development initiative ensures that as marae increase their autonomy and service delivery capacity, they have access to the human capital necessary to succeed in their journey toward vibrant self-sufficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our revamped platform means there’s no login required!
Using your tribal registry details, you can apply directly for any opportunity without creating an account or remembering passwords. Don’t stress if you can’t remember your tribal number! Just fill in the requested information and we’ll track it down for you.
Yes, Te Rau Mahi is exclusively for Waikato-Tainui tribal members. During the application process, you'll need to verify your tribal member status by either:
- Entering your tribal registry number (if you know it), or
- Selecting "I don't know my tribal number" and we'll help verify your status
If you're unsure about your registration status or don't know your tribal number, you can still apply! Select "I don't know my tribal number" during the application process, and our team will help verify your connection to Waikato-Tainui.
For tribal registration enquiries outside of Te Rau Mahi applications, contact us separately – you can register here.
Te Rau Mahi offers a wide range of mahi opportunities for all tribal members, including:
- Full-time and part-time employment
- Apprenticeships and traineeships
- Internships and cadetships
- Entry-level to senior positions
- Opportunities across various industries
We have roles suitable for all ages, experience levels, and career stages.
Any Waikato-Tainui tribal member can apply, regardless of:
- Age (rangatahi through to kaumaatua)
- Current employment status
- Experience level
- Location (though check individual role requirements)
Yes, you can apply for multiple positions, but you need to submit a separate application form for each role. Each application is independent, so you can apply for as many opportunities as you're interested in and qualified for.
New mahi opportunities are added regularly as they become available through our partner organisations and networks. Check back frequently to see the latest positions.
- Agree & Verify - Agree to the privacy statement and verify your tribal member details. This ensures we can connect you with the right opportunities and handle your information safely.
- Complete Application Form - Fill in the application form for the opportunity of your choosing. Along with your details, experience and referees, take your time to showcase yourself and what you offer – this information will go direct to the employer.
- Submit & Wait - Now that the employers know who you are and you can bring to the table, it’s time to sit back and wait for their call. They’ll contact you directly and inform you on next steps.
Not for every position - it depends on the specific role. The application form will clearly show if a cover letter is required.
Cover letter tips when required:
- Keep it concise: 2-3 short paragraphs for most roles
- Tailor it specifically to the position you're applying for
- For senior or specialised roles, you may need a more detailed cover letter
Your application is sent directly to the employer. They will contact you about next steps, which might include:
- Acknowledgment of your application
- Requests for additional information
- Interview invitations
- Updates on the selection process
This varies by employer and can range from one day to several months. We encourage employers to respond within 4-6 weeks, but some may take longer depending on their recruitment process.
If you haven't heard anything after 6+ weeks, you can contact Te Rau Mahi for guidance.
Te Rau Mahi supports you throughout your mahi journey, which may include:
- Application guidance
- CV and cover letter assistance
- Interview preparation
- Work readiness skills development
- Ongoing career guidance
If you're not successful, we'll keep your information for three months to provide ongoing support including:
- Identifying future opportunities that match your skills
- Connecting you with relevant training or mentoring
- Providing personalised career guidance
- Helping improve your readiness for future applications
You can opt out of this support at any time by contacting us.
You'll need to complete all required fields in the application, including:
- Your full name (as it appears on ID, including middle names)
- Date of birth
- Contact details (email and phone)
- Tribal member verification
- Your CV/resume
- Referee details (make sure you have their permission first)
- Cover letter (if required for the specific role)
Your information is used to:
- Process your application and send it to the employer
- Verify your tribal member status
- Provide ongoing support and future opportunities
- Update tribal registry records if needed
Full privacy details are outlined in the privacy statement you'll see during the application process. Your information is stored securely and only shared with relevant employers and authorised representatives.
Yes! You can contact the privacy officer at privacy@tainui.co.nz or visit the offices at 4 Bryce Street, Hamilton to:
- Access your personal information
- Request corrections or updates
- Request secure deletion of your information
For Te Rau Mahi enquiries, application support, or if you need help with the process, contact the Te Rau Mahi team directly at recruitment@tainui.co.nz
For privacy-related questions or to access/correct your personal information, contact: privacy@tainui.co.nz
The legacy Te Rau Mahi portal at teraumahi.waikatotainui.com is no longer used. You can safely ignore or delete any old login credentials from that system. The new system doesn't require any login - just click "Apply now" on any opportunity that interests you.




