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 80,000 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
Moo maatou | About us
Te Whakakitenga o Waikato Inc manages the collective assets of the iwi, Waikato-Tainui. Our aim is to grow a prosperous, healthy, vibrant, innovative and culturally strong iwi to enable mana motuhake. This is achieved through a range of initiatives directed to improving tribal outcomes.
Waikato-Tainui Mokopuna Ora is one initiative aimed at improving outcomes for mokopuna and whaanau involved in the statutory care and protection system.
Mokopuna Ora is a kaupapa Maaori strengths-based and whaanau-led model of care that supports whaanau and mokopuna to navigate the complex care and protection system within Aotearoa - New Zealand, reducing the number of iwi Maaori mokopuna entering the care system. By empowering whaanau to take the necessary steps needed, they can provide a safe and loving home for their mokopuna.
Moo te tuunga | About the role
Our Senior Policy Analyst will provide high quality analysis, robust research and evidence-based advice that aligns to Waikato-Tainui tikanga, whaanau needs as well as policy, legislation, and government systems to drive our efforts in systemic change of the care and protection system.
Driving change and taking others on the journey with you, you will work closely with our Mokopuna Ora Programme Director and the wider team. You will champion the interpretation of the latest policy changes, legislation and reviews as they relate to the care and protection of tamariki mokopuna.
Additionally, this role will take a mentoring approach for our Policy Analyst and in bringing the wider Mokopuna Ora team along the journey.
This role will also proactively consider legal issues, so advice can inform assessments on whether legislative change is the right tool for the problem.
Ngaa puumanawatanga oou | What you will bring
- Bachelor’s degree in business, policy, or related field is desirable
- Extensive experience in a policy analyst or advisory role
- Legislation and government - working knowledge of government processes, familiarity with relevant care and protection legislation and regulations, and policy development
- Demonstrated experience with developing and maintaining effective relationships with key stakeholders and strategic partners (e.g. government, private sector, tribal – members/ marae/ hapuu, community and non-government organisations)
- Ability to critically analyse information and develop solutions and strategies to solve complex issues
- Strong communication skills both verbal and written, especially around policy and process type documents
- Ability to facilitate meetings and hui with a variety of audiences
- Sound knowledge of Waikato-Tainui and tikanga, with developing proficiency in te reo Maaori
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.
Me peehea te tuku tono | How to Apply
To apply for this role, you can submit your curriculum vitae and cover letter through Seek NZ. It is expected that your cover letter will demonstrate your experience (this may include a brief example) that reflects your capability to fulfil the role competencies as set out in the position description. The cover letter will be significant and will inform the short list for interview process.
This advert will remain open until we find the right people for the role.
To request a position description or for any paatai regarding the role, contact Faraimo Tuifua via email here Faraimo.Tuifua@tainui.co.nz . We look forward to hearing from you.
Te Kaunihera aa Takiwaa o Waikato (Waikato District Council) serves a large and diverse area, key towns include Raglan, Huntly, Ngaaruawaahia, Tuakau and Te Kauwhata. Smaller settlements include Gordonton, Matangi, Tamahere, Meremere, Port Waikato and Pookeno.
Delivered in partnership with Waikato-Tainui, this internship offers hands-on experience in iwi-council collaboration and iwi-led kaupapa that give effect to mana whakahaere, kaitiakitanga, and the vision "Kia tupu, kia hua, kia puaawai - to grow, prosper and sustain."
Our Head office in Ngaaruawaahia is an open plan hot desking environment, it includes a collab space as well as unique areas to work or meet with colleagues, Waikato River walks and the chance to hit the Hakarimatas on your lunch break. We also have an onsite cafeteria, free parking and work-life balance.
The Waikato district and Te Kaunihera aa Takiwaa o Waikato have much to offer. We prioritise the well-being of our employees and have cultivated an environment of hard work, respect, trust, empathy, and support.
About this role:
A rare and exciting new opportunity for a role in our Strategy team has come about as a reflection of our joint partnership with Waikato-Tainui. We are excited to offer you the chance to be part of not only this great team working across our district, but also, these two great organisation. This role will be responsible for exploring matters in which Waikato-Tainui and Waikato District Council can strengthen their joint and/or complementary advocacy on external consultation processes from central government. Providing a Waikato-Tainui tribal members with hands on experience in local government.
What I do?
- You will work closely with both Waikato-Tainui and Waikato District Council kaimahi to gain insights into iwi-council partnership including Joint Management Agreements (JMA) and taiao policy and planning
- You will add value to the organisation by contributing to iwi-led environmental kaupapa such as the Ranagtahi Taiao Haerenga 2026, including engagement and site-based projects.
- You will work closely with key stakeholders to strengthen communication through writing, presenting and reflecting on real-world experiences.
What I do?
- Applicants must be currently studying or have recently completed studies in a relevant field, or have proven experience working with iwi, marae, or hapuu on taiao-related kaupapa, and hold a whakapapa connection to Waikato-Tainui.
- You have strong written and oral communication skills, with an ability to undertake analysis
- You have an interest in local and central government policy and its effects on communities
- An enthusiasm and curiosity to learn and develop new skills and experience
- Contribute positively to the team
- You are a team player and have great people skills
Why join our team?
We are an equal opportunity employer, and we value diversity. We welcome applicants who are keen on rolling up their sleeves and helping to bring this to life. We ensure all parts of our recruitment and employment processes are carried out without discrimination. Our applicants do need to have existing rights to work in Aotearoa/New Zealand.
Additional Information
In your cover letter please include your Waikato-Tainui Affiliation to assist with the recruitment process
Location: Ngaaruawaahia
Hours of work: 40 hours per week, over the summer during university break
Please note: Waikato District Council has a mandatory two-week close period during the Holidays
Due to the nature of the work and connections to Waikato-Tainui, applications will be shared with Waikato-Tainui during the recruitment process. By applying for this role, you agree that your application information will be shared with the representatives from Waikato-Tainui
We have a strong safety culture and as part of this our preferred candidates will be required to undergo pre-employment screening which includes a medical, alcohol and drug testing.
Submit your application today!
Click here for more information or to apply for this internship
Applications close on Sunday, 26 October 2025 at 11.59pm.
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.