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
Moo maatou | About us
Waikato-Tainui is a tribal organisation responsible for developing and implementing initiatives which improve iwi outcomes in the areas of education and training, employment, tribal preservation, marae development, health and wellbeing, environmental and resource management.
We exist to continually build the foundations which support every tribal member to exercise their mana motuhake and grow their confidence and capacity to shape and create their own prosperous futures
Moo te tuunga | About the role
The Principal Advisor – Mokopuna Ora provides strategic leadership to support the development of an iwi-led care and protection system aligned to Te Whakatupuranga 2050.
The role actively anticipates and navigates the political landscape, maintaining awareness of emerging government priorities, sector relationships, and potential political impacts on mokopuna, whaanau and Waikato-Tainui interests. Lead proactive horizon scanning across national and international care and protection developments, including legislation, inquiries, research, media narratives and system investigations. Provide timely, kaupapa-aligned advice that positions Waikato-Tainui ahead of sector shifts, mitigates risk, and strengthens the iwi’s strategic influence and decision-making.
Working closely with senior leadership, this role leads the development of the Mokopuna Ora strategy, work planning, and outcomes frameworks, and provides high-quality, evidence-based advice to support decision making.
The focus of the role is to:
- Focus on the development of an iwi-led care and protection system
- Develop strategy, workplans and outcomes frameworks
- Provide strategic advice to senior leadership
- Embed iwi-led aspirations, tikanga, and decision-making as core drivers of system design and delivery
Key responsibilities
- Lead strategic analysis and design input of Mokopuna Ora initiatives
- Develop and maintain strategy, workplans and reporting frameworks
- Provide trusted advice to support decision making
- Analyse data, policy and system insights to identify solutions
- Build strong relationships with iwi, government and stakeholders
- Carry out investigations on front line practice as/when required
- Translate complex information into clear, actionable outputs
Ngaa puumanawatanga oou | What you will bring
Key requirements of the role include:
- 8–10+ years’ experience in strategic advisory, policy or similar roles
- Strong analytical and critical thinking capability
- Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders
- Experience developing strategy, frameworks or work programmes
- Understanding of complex systems, ideally within the public sector
- Strong communication skills across a range of audiences
- Knowledge of the care and protection sectorv
Waikato-Tainui context:
- Awareness of Waikato-Tainui values, tikanga and aspirations
- Understanding of iwi governance structures is desirable
- Proficiency in, or willingness to develop, te reo Maaori
- Experience working within a Te Ao Maaori context is valued
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 that improve tribal health and wellbeing outcomes to enable mana motuhake.
You will be part of a supportive organisation that values its people and is driven by a strong sense of purpose. You will be an integral person supporting whaanau and mokopuna within the care and protection system.
This is a full-time, permanent role. Applicants must be legally entitled to work in New Zealand and willing to undertake relevant background checks.
Me peehea te tuku tono | How to Apply
To apply for this role, please submit your Curriculum Vitae and a tailored cover letter. Your cover letter should highlight your experience and provide examples that demonstrate your ability to operate at a strategic level and influence complex outcomes.
This will form an important part of the shortlisting process.
This position will remain open until a suitable candidate has been appointed.
For a copy of the Job Description please click here or further paatai, please contact Fraims Tuifua at Faraimo.Tuifua@tainui.co.nz
We look forward to hearing from you.
Moo maatou | About us
Waikato-Tainui is a tribal organisation responsible for developing and implementing initiatives which improve iwi outcomes in the areas of education and training, employment, tribal preservation, marae development, health and wellbeing, environmental and resource management.
We exist to continually build the foundations which support every tribal member to exercise their mana motuhake and grow their confidence and capacity to shape and create their own prosperous futures
Moo te tuunga | About the role
The Executive Administrator – Mokopuna Ora supports leadership within the Operations and Strategy teams.
This role ensures the smooth running of team operations through effective coordination, communication, and administrative support, while contributing to continuous improvement and alignment with Waikato-Tainui values.
The focus of the role is to:
- Provide executive and administrative support to senior leaders
- Manage diaries, communications, and team coordination
- Support planning, reporting, and team operations
- Contribute to systems and process improvement
Key responsibilities include:
- Manage diaries, inboxes, and communications, coordinate meetings, agendas, minutes, and follow-ups
- Prepare reports, presentations, and briefing materials to support decision-making
- Coordinate travel, events, stakeholder engagements, and team activities
- Maintain accurate records, financial processes (e.g. Purchase Orders), and filing systems
- Support projects, improve systems/Standard Operating Procedures, and ensure compliance with policies and the Privacy Act 2020
Ngaa puumanawatanga oou | What you will bring
Key requirements of the role include:
- Proven experience supporting senior leaders in an executive administration role, managing competing priorities
- Strong organisational, time management, and Microsoft Office skills, with the ability to produce high-quality documents
- Excellent communication and stakeholder relationship skills, with sound judgement and initiative
- High attention to detail, discretion, and ability to manage confidential information
- Understanding of Waikato-Tainui values and tikanga; experience in iwi/public sector or Te Ao Maaori context is advantageous
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 that improve tribal health and wellbeing outcomes to enable mana motuhake.
You will be part of a supportive organisation that values its people and is driven by a strong sense of purpose. You will be an integral person supporting whaanau and mokopuna within the care and protection system.
This is a full-time, permanent role. Applicants must be legally entitled to work in New Zealand and willing to undertake relevant background checks.
Me peehea te tuku tono | How to Apply
To apply for this role, please submit your Curriculum Vitae and a tailored cover letter. Your cover letter should highlight your experience and provide examples that demonstrate your ability to operate at a strategic level and influence complex outcomes.
This will form an important part of the shortlisting process.
This position will remain open until a suitable candidate has been appointed.
For a copy of the Job Description please click here or further paatai, please contact Fraims Tuifua at Faraimo.Tuifua@tainui.co.nz
We look forward to hearing from you.
Moo maatou | About us
Waikato-Tainui is a tribal organisation responsible for developing and implementing initiatives which improve iwi outcomes in the areas of education and training, employment, tribal preservation, marae development, health and wellbeing, environmental and resource management.
We exist to continually build the foundations which support every tribal member to exercise their mana motuhake and grow their confidence and capacity to shape and create their own prosperous futures
Moo te tuunga | About the role
The Senior Business Analyst – Mokopuna Ora, is a senior, system-facing role that plays a key part in shaping how insight, analysis and intelligence inform outcomes for mokopuna and whaanau.
This is a role for someone who can move beyond traditional business analysis into strategic thinking, systems awareness, and meaningful influence across complex environments.
Working alongside key stakeholders across iwi, Crown and sector partners, you will help:
- Shape and interpret system-level insights that inform direction and decision-making
- Contribute to the development and evolution of outcomes-focused approaches for Mokopuna Ora
- Support strategic thinking across initiatives that span multiple organisations and perspectives
- Strengthen capability across the team through guidance, mentoring and shared practice
This role suits someone who is confident working in complexity, comfortable with ambiguity, and motivated by outcomes that have long-term impact.
Ngaa puumanawatanga oou | What you will bring
You will bring depth of experience in business analysis or related fields, alongside the ability to think systemically and work across diverse stakeholder environments.
We are looking for someone who demonstrates:
- Strong analytical and critical thinking capability
- Experience working across complex, multi-stakeholder environments
- The ability to turn information into insight that supports decision-making
- Confidence engaging with senior stakeholders and navigating complexity
- A collaborative, grounded and thoughtful approach to working with others
- Experience contributing to change, improvement or transformation contexts
An understanding of te ao Maaori, iwi systems, or public sector environments will be highly valued.
Noou te rourou | What’s in it for you
This is an opportunity to contribute to work that has real and lasting impact for mokopuna and whaanau.
You will be part of a values-led organisation grounded in Kiingitanga, working in an environment where your thinking, insight and relationships help shape how systems respond and evolve for the better.
Me peehea te tuku tono | How to apply
To apply for this role, please submit your Curriculum Vitae and a tailored cover letter. Your cover letter should highlight your experience and provide examples that demonstrate your ability to operate at a strategic level and influence complex outcomes.
This will form an important part of the shortlisting process.
This position will remain open until a suitable candidate has been appointed.
For a copy of the Job Description please click here or further paatai, please contact Fraims Tuifua at Faraimo.Tuifua@tainui.co.nz
We look forward to hearing from you.
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.