Pou Aronui - Maaori Partnerships, Communications & Engagement Executive

He angituutanga: The opportunity 

Ka tere nei te ia o te wai me toona kimi i te tangata tika hei Pou Aronui ki te whare o IAWAI. He tuuranga tiaki I te ia me te oranga o te wai o te tuupuna awa a Waikato.  He tuuranga hei whatu i ngaa taniwha ki teenaa piko, ki teenaa piko o te awa. Heoi, mehemea kei a koe ngaa puukenga moo teenei tuuranga Pou Aronui ka hiahia maatou I taau pepa tono tuuranga.

IAWAI is seeking an inspiring leader to join us as Pou Aronui - Māori Partnerships, Communications & Engagement Executive. This pivotal role strengthens and deepens our relationships with iwi, hapū, marae, and Māori communities, ensuring Māori perspectives and priorities are woven into every part of our strategy, operations, and decision-making. You will champion te ao Māori within IAWAI, fostering culturally grounded and safe approaches, and promoting te reo Māori and tikanga across all activities.

Alongside this, you will guide our Communications and Engagement function, ensuring alignment between Māori partnerships and our wider communication strategies. Through your leadership, our communications will be ethical, inclusive, and culturally authentic building trust, transparency, and understanding of IAWAI’s purpose across the region. If you are passionate about creating meaningful partnerships, driving impactful engagement, and leading with integrity, we invite you to bring your expertise and vision to this transformative role.

Key responsibilites include:

• Plan the IAWAI Maaori engagement strategy in alignment with the IAWAI vision, mission and values, Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Te Ture Whaimana, and in partnership with iwi and hapuu.
• Ensure Maaori perspectives, aspirations and maatauranga Maaori are embedded in IAWAI strategic planning and vision, including through governance, policy, decision-making and delivery frameworks.
• Assist Chief Executive Officer and people leaders with strategic planning to provide assurance that there is an inclusive approach to managing strategic and operational visions.
• On behalf of IAWAI, partner with local marae, iwi, hapū and Maaori partners during the IAWAI establishment phase, through the opening and during full operations to provide continuity and effective relationship management.
• Foster strong and enduring connections with Waikato Tainui, managing relationships on behalf of IAWAI - nurturing trust, confidence and credibility within the organisation.
• In conjunction with the Communications & Engagement Manager leads and supports the development and implementation of IAWAI’s Communications and Engagement Strategy to ensure effective, coordinated, and inclusive engagement with stakeholders, communities, and partners.