Pouārahi Māori | Executive Director Māori

Pouārahi, Executive Director Māori

Kei aku nui kei aku rahi, kei ngā tōtara haemata puta noa nei. Kua puta te karanga a Te Aho a Māui, a Te Tairāwhiti, nau piki mai, nau tono mai ki tēnei tūranga mahi rangatira e wātea nei, arā, ko te Pou Ārahi Māori.

Te Aho a Māui – Eastern Institution of Technology has proudly served to Te Matau-a-Māui and Tairāwhiti for over 50 Years. We have a long-standing commitment to supporting the success and wellbeing of ākonga, whānau, and our wider communities. As we look ahead to the next 50 years and beyond, we remain focused on empowering Ākonga to realise and exceed their aspirations.

During this key milestone, we are also seeking our next Pouārahi, Executive Director Māori, to continue to guide the development and implementation of our evolving Kaupapa Māori Strategy and associated work programmes and initiatives. As a key member of our executive team, you will work closely with the ELT, your team, mana whenua, kaimahi, and industry, to ensure EIT continues to evolve its commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, founded on our values: Herea te tangata, Herea te mana, Herea te pono, and Herea tō momoho.

This role represents a unique opportunity to apply your leadership to create meaningful organisational impact and contribute to transformational outcomes for ākonga, whānau, and communities across our rōhē. The priorities and focus areas of this role include:

• Partner with the Executive Leadership Team to give full effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi across EIT through strategic, values-based leadership and our kaupapa Māori strategy and associated initiatives.
• Build and maintain trusted relationships with mana whenua, Māori communities, industry, and business to ensure Māori voices and aspirations shape EIT’s direction.
• Protect and reclaim taonga Māori, including Te Reo ā-Iwi, Toi ā-Iwi, and Pūtaiao ā-Iwi.
• Represent EIT and Māori interests in cross-agency and regional forums to influence change.
• Lead sustained capability growth in tikanga, te reo Māori, and kaupapa Māori. Build Māori leadership and ensure staff are culturally safe and competent.
• Embed mātauranga Māori and tikanga across policies, systems, decision-making, and institutional culture.
• Champion ākonga Māori success and wellbeing through culturally sustaining curriculum, pedagogy, and learning environments.
• Uphold EIT’s obligations under the Education and Training Act 2020 and Public Service Act 2020, including advancing Māori success, protecting taonga Māori, and strengthening partnerships with mana whenua across Te Matau-a-Māui and Tairāwhiti.

To succeed in leading this kaupapa and achieving sustained impact over time, you will bring a depth of experience and capability across the following areas:

• Deep understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its practical application across governance, leadership, and institutional contexts.
• Proven executive leadership in kaupapa Māori roles, with a track record of developing and delivering kaupapa Māori strategies and solutions.
• Proficient in te reo Māori and tikanga Māori, with the ability to lead authentically and competently in Te Ao Māori contexts.
• Experience embedding mātauranga Māori, tikanga, and kaupapa Māori practice across systems, culture, and decision-making.
• Skilled in partnering with mana whenua, iwi, hapū, and Māori communities, aligning institutional direction with regional aspirations through trusted, relational leadership.
• Demonstrated ability to grow capability, foster cultural safety, and uplift kaimahi and ākonga in inclusive, mana-enhancing environments.
• Strong values-based leader, highly collaborative and effective at building alignment and influence across organisational boundaries to drive equity and transformation.

How to apply:

Please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your interest in the role and relevant experience by clicking ‘’. This will link you through to this role on our careers site. If you have any questions, please email: [email protected]. For a copy of the Job Description visit LINK

Ngā mihi, we appreciate the time you’ve taken to learn more about us and encourage you to apply if this opportunity aligns with your skills, values, and aspirations. Join us in shaping the future of education in Te Matau-a-Māui and Tairāwhiti, where your mahi can make a lasting impact for ākonga, whānau, and communities.