Principal Advisor - Strategy Commissioning

• Influence strategy across a leading iwi commissioning agency.
• Lead high-impact initiatives that improve outcomes for whānau.
• Full-time, Porirua.

About the organisation

Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira is the mandated iwi authority for Ngāti Toa Rangatira, based in Porirua. Guided by the vision "Kia tū ai a Ngāti Toa Rangatira; Hei iwi toa, hei iwi rangatira"—a strong, vibrant and influential iwi— the Rūnanga advances the cultural, social, environmental and economic aspirations of whānau, now and for future generations.

Māhutonga, the Whānau Ora Commissioning Agency delivered by Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira, works alongside providers, communities and whānau to commission strengths-based, whānau-led solutions that improve wellbeing outcomes across the rohe. Grounded in kaupapa Māori, Māhutonga brings together strategic investment, trusted partnerships and innovative commissioning to enable communities to thrive.

Having successfully completed its establishment phase, Māhutonga is now entering an exciting period of growth and organisational maturity. To support this next chapter, it is strengthening its strategic capability through several key appointments.

The opportunity

Reporting to the General Manager Māhutonga, the Principal Advisor – Strategy & Commissioning is a pivotal role providing strategic advice across commissioning, partnerships and organisational development.

Working across complex initiatives, you will lead strategic projects, strengthen commissioning practice, build trusted relationships across government, iwi and community partners, and translate complex information into practical insights that support decision-making and improve outcomes for whānau.

This is an opportunity to combine strategic thinking with practical delivery while helping shape the future direction of a growing commissioning agency.

Key areas of focus

• Provide strategic advice that supports organisational priorities and informed decision-making.
• Lead complex strategic initiatives from concept through to implementation.
• Build trusted partnerships across government, iwi, providers and community stakeholders.
• Strengthen commissioning practice, organisational capability and continuous improvement.
• Translate complex information into practical insights while influencing collaboration to improve outcomes for whānau.

About you

You are an experienced strategic advisor who enjoys solving complex organisational challenges, building trusted partnerships and influencing positive change across diverse stakeholder groups.

You will likely bring:

• Significant experience in strategic advisory, organisational development or project leadership within government, commissioning, health, social services, iwi or community sectors.
• Strong strategic thinking, analytical capability and sound judgement, with experience providing advice to executive and governance audiences.
• Exceptional relationship management, facilitation and influencing skills, with the ability to build trusted partnerships across diverse stakeholders.
• A collaborative leadership style with the ability to influence outcomes and lead initiatives without formal authority.
• An understanding of kaupapa Māori and a genuine commitment to culturally responsive practice.

Why this role?

This is an opportunity to join Māhutonga at an exciting stage in its journey. As the organisation continues to mature and strengthen its commissioning capability, you'll play a key role in shaping strategy, building organisational capability, and influencing initiatives that create lasting, positive outcomes for whānau. Working alongside an experienced leadership team, you'll help translate vision into action and contribute to the long-term success of one of Aotearoa's leading iwi commissioning agencies.

How to Apply

Please submit your CV and cover letter via the apply button.

To view the Position Description, visit us at https://taumata.co.nz/opportunities/

Applications close: 5.00pm,

23 July 2026

Don't delay – applications will be reviewed as received!

For further enquiries, contact Naomi Widener on 021 069 1457 or ***email_hidden*** , or John Bell on 021 599 586 .