Vacancies
Waikato-Tainui is guided by our overarching mission of growing a prosperous, healthy, vibrant, innovative and culturally strong iwi that enables mana motuhake (self-sufficiency). We are a leading tribal organisation representing 68 marae and over 95,000 tribal members. We have a responsibility to protect and uphold our Crown settlements for the benefit of current and future generations. We do this in a range of ways which you can learn more about on this website.
Building the capacity of our people and growing the prosperity of our whaanau remains the driving force behind our efforts as an organisation. We are equally committed to ensuring that our kaimahi (workforce) are also developed, trained, and well positioned to serve our purpose.
Kia tupu, kia hua, kia puaawai
To grow, prosper and sustain
Current vacancies
Waikato-Tainui is a leading tribal organisation in Aotearoa. It develops and implements initiatives to achieve outcomes for its iwi. The activities of Waikato-Tainui are informed by Whakatupuranga 2050 - a blueprint for the long-term cultural, social, and economic advancement of the iwi.
Prudent management of iwi-owned assets and settlements will enable the realisation of Whakatupuranga 2050. Its investment portfolio of approximately $2.4 billion is diverse and includes, real estate, private equities, global equities, natural resources, fixed oncome and Te Tiriti....and includes property, global equities, fixed income, natural resources, cash, and Te Tiriti o Waitangi settlement receivables.
The Group Investment Committee (“GIC”) acts in an investment advisory and monitoring capacity. It reviews the performance of the funds managed by the Chief Investment Officer and reports directly to the Executive Board, Te Arataura.
A vacancy has arisen for a new Independent Member on the GIC. The independent GIC Nominating Committee has commenced a process to recommend an outstanding candidate for appointment to the GIC in 2026.
For this appointment, the Nominating Committee is particularly interested in candidates who offer deep knowledge and experience in:
- Investment governance & corporate governance
- Institutional investment management, analysis or consulting
- Financial risk management
- Investment evaluation & benchmarking
- Chairing boards and/or investment committees
Candidates should have strong commercial acumen and ideally bring Iwi, hapuu, marae and/or Ahu Whenua Trust investment experience with some capability in te reo Maaori and tikanga.
Further information and the detailed role description can be found here. To apply, please send your cover letter and CV to applications@tainui.co.nz.
Applications close at 11:59pm on Sunday, 29 March 2026
Please direct any queries to the above email address in the first instance.
People & Culture Administrator
12 month fixed-term, Part-time
The People and Culture Administrator is a great opportunity for someone who is wanting to shift into HR, or an experienced HR administrator seeking flexibility. As this role will be exposed to all areas within the HR and Health & Safety function, it is important that you operate with high-integrity and respect for confidentiality and the privacy of other people’s information. Organising, planning and coordinating will be second nature to you.
Within this role, you will operate across all aspects of the HR and Health & Safety functions and will be responsible for:
- Drafting employment documents
- Coordinating hui (meetings) and events
- Maintaining an accurate and up to date database of people records
- Assisting with policy, process and system development and implementation (from induction to offboarding, and everything in between).
Ideally you will be able to demonstrate the following skills and experience:
- Relevant tertiary qualifications OR experience within administration, HR, or H&S
- Excellent written & verbal communication – drafting legal/confidential documents
- High degree of document control, form design, and record-keeping skills
- Strong cultural and values alignment with Waikato-Tainui
Please note this is a 12-month fixed-term contract based in Hamilton with the opportunity to work from home or flexibly during the working week. Ideally this is a part-time 20 hours/week role.
If you’re looking for that next step in your career then give Louise McLean a call on 027 247 9393 to discuss this opportunity in further detail.
Click here to submit your CV and Cover Letter via SEEK.
Please note that CVs should be in MS-Word format where possible. Also, due to current border restrictions, you must already hold a NZ Passport or valid working visa to be considered for this role.
Mokopuna Ora – Pou Tiaki aa-Iwi
Contractor, 12-month fixed-term, Full-time
- Do you have experience in front-line advocacy and support for whaanau in crisis?
- Do you have an understanding of Waikato iwi tribal history, tikanga and structures?
- Do you have experience in family violence, family harm (how to recognise it, what to do) and child protection?
- Do you have strong facilitation, communication and listening skills?
- Then we have the perfect role for you!
Ko wai maatou | About us
A Waikato-Tainui roopu named Te Kohikohingaa oo Kirihaehae which comprised of tribally appointed representatives, originally led out Mokopuna Ora. What followed was the formalisation of a relationship in October 2013 with Oranga Tamariki (then named Child Youth and Family) through a Memorandum of Understanding and then in April 2019 a strategic partnership between Waikato-Tainui and Oranga Tamariki was formed. From the onset, the relationship with Oranga Tamariki has been driven by the Tribe’s belief that a collaborative approach is best placed to deliver positive outcomes for mokopuna and whaanau, to address the high number of Waikato iwi Maaori mokopuna in care.
Mokopuna Ora is a kaupapa Maaori strengths-based and whaanau-led model of care. Supporting whaanau and mokopuna to navigate the complex care and protection system within Aotearoa and reducing the number of iwi Maaori mokopuna entering the care system. By empowering whaanau to take the necessary steps needed, they can then provide a safe and loving home for their mokopuna.
Moo te tuunga | About the role
Due to the ongoing success of the Mokopuna Ora programme we are increasing the level of support based in Kirikiriroa and Ngaaruawaahia and are expanding our tight knit team with further Pou Tiaki aa-iwi roles. As an independent iwi-led specialised advocate you will help navigate the Care, Protection, and Wellbeing space for whaanau who have come to the attention of Oranga Tamariki. The role offers more transparency for whaanau; to whakamana them; to open up the lines of communication; and to connect them to the right support services, to enable the creation of safe pathways for their tamariki/mokopuna.
The focus of the Pou Tiaki aa-Iwi is on achieving the best outcomes for mokopuna and whaanau by preventing mokopuna from going into the care of Oranga Tamariki, and the return of mokopuna to their whaanau who are in non-whakapapa care. In situations where mokopuna are unable to be cared for by their whaanau, hapuu, or iwi, the Pou Tiaki aa Iwi support to maintain the mokopuna knowledge and connections to his/her whakapapa and cultural identity. The role provides a key conduit and support system for whaanau in the various touch points they may experience when engaging the care system.
It is an exciting time to be in this pivotal role and we are looking for experienced kaimahi within the sector, with established connections to local iwi and Waikato based social service providers and agencies to join this supportive team.
Ngaa puumanawatanga oou | What you will bring
Ideally you will possess a relevant tertiary qualification in health or social sciences, coupled with at least five years’ experience working with whanau in crisis.
Key requirements of the role include:
- Basic level education in family violence; family harm (how to recognise it, what to do) and child protection
- Be highly confident and proficient in facilitation, presentation and proficient active listening skills
- Exceptional communication skills (written and oral)
- General understanding of te ao Maaori in practice and the ability to provide examples of Maaori-based value systems in practice (i.e., aroha, manaakitanga, whanaungatanga, rangatiratanga)
- A full, valid and clean New Zealand drivers’ licence
Noou te rourou | What’s in it for you
In return you will work for iwi, committed to Kiingitanga, embracing ngaa tikanga of the tribe and contributing to initiatives directed to improving tribal health and wellbeing outcomes to enable mana motuhake. You get to work for a supportive team and tight knit organisation that values its people and is driven by a central purpose. You will be an integral person who helps our whaanau and mokopuna in care.
This is an independent contractor role, 12-month fixed-term, full-time (37.5 hours per week) position with the potential for extended longer term. Applicants must be legally entitled to work in New Zealand, be fully vaccinated, and undertake police vetting and Oranga Tamariki Care and Protection, Youth Justice Residence Adoptions Services and Support (CYRAS) system checks.
Me peehea te tuku tono | How to Apply
To apply for this role, click here to submit your CV and Cover Letter via SEEK.
This advert will remain open until we find the right people for the role.
To request more information or for any paatai regarding the role, contact Ruchele Bennett (Mokopuna Ora, Operations Manager) on 0292006118 or email Ruchele.Bennett@tainui.co.nz
Recruitment Advisor
12 month fixed-term, Part-time
The Recruitment Advisor will support the People & Culture Team to deliver on our talent strategy, leading out our recruitment practices, and ensuring that we are delivering an exceptional kaimahi experience for our people. Your experience with recruitment will guide and advise our managers to find the right people for their mahi – from developing recruitment strategies and campaigns, to interviewing our candidates and supporting with their onboarding process. This role will also lead the roll-out and set-up of our new talent software.
Ideally you will be able to demonstrate the following skills and experience:
- Relevant tertiary qualifications OR experience within recruitment or HR
- Excellent written & verbal communication – drafting adverts and preparing recruitment campaigns
- Negotiation skills
- Interpersonal and relationship management skills
- Experience or interest in technology is an advantage – particularly working with recruitment software
- Strong cultural and values alignment with Waikato-Tainui
Please note this is a 12-month fixed-term contract based in Hamilton with the opportunity to work from home or flexibly during the working week. Ideally this is a part-time 20 hour/week role.
If you’re looking for that next step in your career then give Louise McLean a call on 027 247 9393 a call to discuss this opportunity in further detail.
Click here to submit your CV and Cover Letter via SEEK.
Please note that CVs should be in MS-Word format where possible. Also, due to current border restrictions, you must already hold a NZ Passport or valid working visa to be considered for this role.
Internal Auditor
Permanent, Full-time
Preferably we are looking for someone who has a CA qualification. You will need to present with excellent communication skills; this is a role where you will dig deep into the organisation and it’s a role where you will need to drive inclusion and transparency. You will also bring:
- A relevant tertiary qualification in Business or Management Studies
- Experience in an accounting role, preferably in an audit function with understanding of audit methodologies and procedures
- Experience and knowledge of risk management
- The ability to develop and write robust policy and procedural documents
- Proficiency or a developing proficiency in Te Reo Maaori
To find out more call Louise McLean at Sagely for a confidential discussion on 027 247 9393 or apply online.
Please note that CVs should be in MS-Word format where possible. Also, due to current border restrictions, you must already hold a NZ Passport or valid working visa to be considered for this role.
People & Culture Administrator
12 month fixed-term, Part-time
The People and Culture Administrator is a great opportunity for someone who is wanting to shift into HR, or an experienced HR administrator seeking flexibility. As this role will be exposed to all areas within the HR and Health & Safety function, it is important that you operate with high-integrity and respect for confidentiality and the privacy of other people’s information. Organising, planning and coordinating will be second nature to you.
Within this role, you will operate across all aspects of the HR and Health & Safety functions and will be responsible for:
- Drafting employment documents
- Coordinating hui (meetings) and events
- Maintaining an accurate and up to date database of people records
- Assisting with policy, process and system development and implementation (from induction to offboarding, and everything in between).
Ideally you will be able to demonstrate the following skills and experience:
- Relevant tertiary qualifications OR experience within administration, HR, or H&S
- Excellent written & verbal communication – drafting legal/confidential documents
- High degree of document control, form design, and record-keeping skills
- Strong cultural and values alignment with Waikato-Tainui
Please note this is a 12-month fixed-term contract based in Hamilton with the opportunity to work from home or flexibly during the working week. Ideally this is a part-time 20 hours/week role.
If you’re looking for that next step in your career then give Louise McLean a call on 027 247 9393 to discuss this opportunity in further detail.
Click here to submit your CV and Cover Letter via SEEK.
Please note that CVs should be in MS-Word format where possible. Also, due to current border restrictions, you must already hold a NZ Passport or valid working visa to be considered for this role.
Mokopuna Ora – Pou Tiaki aa-Iwi
Contractor, 12-month fixed-term, Full-time
- Do you have experience in front-line advocacy and support for whaanau in crisis?
- Do you have an understanding of Waikato iwi tribal history, tikanga and structures?
- Do you have experience in family violence, family harm (how to recognise it, what to do) and child protection?
- Do you have strong facilitation, communication and listening skills?
- Then we have the perfect role for you!
Ko wai maatou | About us
A Waikato-Tainui roopu named Te Kohikohingaa oo Kirihaehae which comprised of tribally appointed representatives, originally led out Mokopuna Ora. What followed was the formalisation of a relationship in October 2013 with Oranga Tamariki (then named Child Youth and Family) through a Memorandum of Understanding and then in April 2019 a strategic partnership between Waikato-Tainui and Oranga Tamariki was formed. From the onset, the relationship with Oranga Tamariki has been driven by the Tribe’s belief that a collaborative approach is best placed to deliver positive outcomes for mokopuna and whaanau, to address the high number of Waikato iwi Maaori mokopuna in care.
Mokopuna Ora is a kaupapa Maaori strengths-based and whaanau-led model of care. Supporting whaanau and mokopuna to navigate the complex care and protection system within Aotearoa and reducing the number of iwi Maaori mokopuna entering the care system. By empowering whaanau to take the necessary steps needed, they can then provide a safe and loving home for their mokopuna.
Moo te tuunga | About the role
Due to the ongoing success of the Mokopuna Ora programme we are increasing the level of support based in Kirikiriroa and Ngaaruawaahia and are expanding our tight knit team with further Pou Tiaki aa-iwi roles. As an independent iwi-led specialised advocate you will help navigate the Care, Protection, and Wellbeing space for whaanau who have come to the attention of Oranga Tamariki. The role offers more transparency for whaanau; to whakamana them; to open up the lines of communication; and to connect them to the right support services, to enable the creation of safe pathways for their tamariki/mokopuna.
The focus of the Pou Tiaki aa-Iwi is on achieving the best outcomes for mokopuna and whaanau by preventing mokopuna from going into the care of Oranga Tamariki, and the return of mokopuna to their whaanau who are in non-whakapapa care. In situations where mokopuna are unable to be cared for by their whaanau, hapuu, or iwi, the Pou Tiaki aa Iwi support to maintain the mokopuna knowledge and connections to his/her whakapapa and cultural identity. The role provides a key conduit and support system for whaanau in the various touch points they may experience when engaging the care system.
It is an exciting time to be in this pivotal role and we are looking for experienced kaimahi within the sector, with established connections to local iwi and Waikato based social service providers and agencies to join this supportive team.
Ngaa puumanawatanga oou | What you will bring
Ideally you will possess a relevant tertiary qualification in health or social sciences, coupled with at least five years’ experience working with whanau in crisis.
Key requirements of the role include:
- Basic level education in family violence; family harm (how to recognise it, what to do) and child protection
- Be highly confident and proficient in facilitation, presentation and proficient active listening skills
- Exceptional communication skills (written and oral)
- General understanding of te ao Maaori in practice and the ability to provide examples of Maaori-based value systems in practice (i.e., aroha, manaakitanga, whanaungatanga, rangatiratanga)
- A full, valid and clean New Zealand drivers’ licence
Noou te rourou | What’s in it for you
In return you will work for iwi, committed to Kiingitanga, embracing ngaa tikanga of the tribe and contributing to initiatives directed to improving tribal health and wellbeing outcomes to enable mana motuhake. You get to work for a supportive team and tight knit organisation that values its people and is driven by a central purpose. You will be an integral person who helps our whaanau and mokopuna in care.
This is an independent contractor role, 12-month fixed-term, full-time (37.5 hours per week) position with the potential for extended longer term. Applicants must be legally entitled to work in New Zealand, be fully vaccinated, and undertake police vetting and Oranga Tamariki Care and Protection, Youth Justice Residence Adoptions Services and Support (CYRAS) system checks.
Me peehea te tuku tono | How to Apply
To apply for this role, click here to submit your CV and Cover Letter via SEEK.
This advert will remain open until we find the right people for the role.
To request more information or for any paatai regarding the role, contact Ruchele Bennett (Mokopuna Ora, Operations Manager) on 0292006118 or email Ruchele.Bennett@tainui.co.nz
Recruitment Advisor
12 month fixed-term, Part-time
The Recruitment Advisor will support the People & Culture Team to deliver on our talent strategy, leading out our recruitment practices, and ensuring that we are delivering an exceptional kaimahi experience for our people. Your experience with recruitment will guide and advise our managers to find the right people for their mahi – from developing recruitment strategies and campaigns, to interviewing our candidates and supporting with their onboarding process. This role will also lead the roll-out and set-up of our new talent software.
Ideally you will be able to demonstrate the following skills and experience:
- Relevant tertiary qualifications OR experience within recruitment or HR
- Excellent written & verbal communication – drafting adverts and preparing recruitment campaigns
- Negotiation skills
- Interpersonal and relationship management skills
- Experience or interest in technology is an advantage – particularly working with recruitment software
- Strong cultural and values alignment with Waikato-Tainui
Please note this is a 12-month fixed-term contract based in Hamilton with the opportunity to work from home or flexibly during the working week. Ideally this is a part-time 20 hour/week role.
If you’re looking for that next step in your career then give Louise McLean a call on 027 247 9393 a call to discuss this opportunity in further detail.
Click here to submit your CV and Cover Letter via SEEK.
Please note that CVs should be in MS-Word format where possible. Also, due to current border restrictions, you must already hold a NZ Passport or valid working visa to be considered for this role.
Internal Auditor
Permanent, Full-time
Preferably we are looking for someone who has a CA qualification. You will need to present with excellent communication skills; this is a role where you will dig deep into the organisation and it’s a role where you will need to drive inclusion and transparency. You will also bring:
- A relevant tertiary qualification in Business or Management Studies
- Experience in an accounting role, preferably in an audit function with understanding of audit methodologies and procedures
- Experience and knowledge of risk management
- The ability to develop and write robust policy and procedural documents
- Proficiency or a developing proficiency in Te Reo Maaori
To find out more call Louise McLean at Sagely for a confidential discussion on 027 247 9393 or apply online.
Please note that CVs should be in MS-Word format where possible. Also, due to current border restrictions, you must already hold a NZ Passport or valid working visa to be considered for this role.